It sounds morbid, perhaps even self-aggrandizing, but writing your own obituary can be a powerful exercise in self-reflection and a key tool for authentic leadership. It’s not about vanity; it’s about clarifying your values, defining your legacy, and ensuring your actions align with the impact you truly want to leave on the world. This provocative practice forces you to confront what truly matters and helps you become a more intentional and impactful leader.

Confronting Your Mortality, Clarifying Your Values

We often live life on autopilot, caught up in the day-to-day grind. Writing your obituary forces you to step back and acknowledge your mortality. This confrontation isn’t about dwelling on death, but rather about appreciating the preciousness of time and the urgency of living a life aligned with your values. By imagining the words spoken at your funeral, you’re compelled to identify what truly defines you: Is it your career achievements? Or is it the relationships you nurtured, the causes you championed, or the positive impact you had on others? In case of authentic leadership this is a very important part of the process.

Defining Your Desired Legacy: Beyond the Resume

Your resume outlines your professional accomplishments, but your obituary should paint a picture of your character. It’s an opportunity to define the legacy you wish to leave behind. Do you want to be remembered as a ruthless competitor or a compassionate mentor? A profit-driven executive or a community builder? This exercise helps you shift your focus from accumulating accolades to cultivating qualities that resonate with your core values. It pushes you to consider the kind of person you aspire to be, not just the kind of professional you are.

Aligning Actions with Aspirations: Bridging the Gap

Once you’ve defined your desired legacy, the real work begins. Writing your obituary is only beneficial if it inspires action. The exercise should highlight any disconnect between your current actions and the legacy you desire. Are you dedicating enough time to your family? Are you contributing meaningfully to causes you care about? Are you treating your colleagues with respect and empathy? Identifying these gaps allows you to make conscious choices to align your behavior with your aspirations, ensuring you’re living a life that’s in accordance with your values.

Fostering Authenticity: Leading with Purpose

Authenticity in leadership stems from a deep understanding of yourself and a commitment to living in accordance with your beliefs. Writing your obituary is a powerful tool for self-discovery, helping you identify your core values and aligning your actions with those values. When you lead from a place of authenticity, you inspire trust and loyalty in others. People are drawn to leaders who are genuine and purpose-driven, and this exercise helps to cultivate those qualities.

A Living Document: Review and Refine

Your obituary shouldn’t be a one-time exercise. It’s a living document that should be revisited and refined regularly. As you grow and evolve, your values and priorities might shift. Reviewing your obituary periodically allows you to recalibrate your actions and ensure you’re still on track towards building the legacy you desire. It serves as a constant reminder of what truly matters and helps you to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and purpose.