In 1503 Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. 521 years later, it hangs in the Louvre in Paris where millions of people travel to see it each year.
It was da Vinci who also said,
“Shun those studies in which the work that results dies with the worker.”
Let’s be real: Most of us are unlikely to have a piece of art that is still being admired five centuries later. But we can all learn something from the truth that da Vinci shared that we should aspire to work that will outlive us. Our outputs should create a lasting impact and imprint.
While that is a noble aspiration, it can be difficult to remember in the rat race of quarterly reports and annual reviews. It’s easy to get bogged down and neglect the bigger picture.
Here are some practical steps to keep the focus on things that will outlive us:
Invest in People, Not Just Projects: When a business is paying ADDO, they are hiring us to build a program or execute a project. Because of that, we can often focus solely on the output for which clients are paying. Even so, we must still dedicate resources to developing our team’s skills and potential. By investing in people, you create a ripple effect that extends far beyond your tenure, shaping future leaders who will carry your influence forward.
Build Systems, Not Dependencies: On the surface, a system doesn’t always sound like something that leads to lasting impact. However, creating robust systems that are able to function without your constant input is a long term play. Document best practices, establish clear protocols, and empower your team to make decisions. This ensures continuity and allows your influence to persist through the structures you’ve established, even after you’ve moved on.
Champion Long-Term Vision: Be the voice that advocates for the long game. Push for initiatives that may not show immediate returns but have potential for significant future impact. Make decisions that align with your purpose and will outlast your current leadership role.
There is one other key piece to pursuing lasting impact: a hefty dose of humility. While we are tempted to focus on “shun those studies” and “the work that results,” we can’t overlook “dies with the worker.”
The reality is, the worker eventually dies. So our individual contributions, no matter how impressive, are just one part of a much larger story. The good news:
When we align our efforts with a greater purpose and empower those around us, we ensure that our work takes on a life of its own.
This shouldn’t discount work that feels monotonous and mundane. Instead, it should challenge us to ask ourselves: Is this work contributing toward something that I’ll be proud of down the road?
