Recently a colleague and I engaged in light banter about the process when leaders change positions. My friend maintained the most important legacy leaders leave is going from one position into a successive one. For some people, this means being vice president and then president of a neighborhood association. For others, it involves serving on a school board and then seeking a city council seat. In turn, some might get to local leadership position and later ponder a state legislative role.

While this is one avenue leaders can take, I firmly believe leaders should consider giving back to others among their most important obligations. In short, this means reaching back to help another. What good will history show if leaders do not help another?

It’s simple enough for leaders to leave a legacy after their leadership tenure through mentoring, coaching, or general support. It might include stay engaged with rising leaders through tutoring, community service, and teaching. My point is: leaders must leave as part of their legacy a commitment to helping others. Specifically, this should be a commitment to help others get into, survive, and transition into and between leadership roles.

Even after leaders retire from official duties, some simple yet committed ways can result in a lasting legacy with a big impact.