It’s a simple exercise that can yield profound results.

Your answer to that question will bring to the surface those values that are most important to you – those for which you want to be remembered.

Of course, the only remaining question is “Are you contributing to the epitaph by how you’re investing your life today?” Leaders do make sure that in spite of all they do, that focus remains. Leaders find within their desired epitaph an energy, passion, and drive for accomplishing their daily responsibilities with an eye on their ultimate legacy.

BONUS: The above metaphor works equally well for an organization as it does for an individual. If suddenly your organization ceased to exist, what would it be remembered for? Is that what you want it’s purpose to be?