On October 6th, the world lost the legendary guitar hero, Eddie Van Halen, following a long battle with cancer.
On social media and beyond, millions mourned his death, while celebrating his amazing career, incredible talent, and achievements both he and the band, Van Halen, have achieved.
For myself, this hit home. I've been a massive Van Halen fan since my teens.
My bedroom was plastered with posters. I had a different Van Halen t-shirt to wear each day of the week. I played their music for many hours (though quieter than I'd prefer, to hide it from my born-again Christian parents! Don't tell them that Van Halen is not a Christian band- I think they still believe me....)
Many memories came to mind of growing up and listening to their music, which in my opinion, got even better with the arrival of Sammy Hagar. Even now, I still love to crank Van Hagar/Halen while driving on my own!
But throughout this mourning process, it got me thinking a bit.
What a legacy EVH has left behind!
Both professional and amateur guitar players globally have shared their experiences of picking up a guitar and learning to play after hearing EVH shred Eruption and other amazing sols over the years.
If I take this to the workplace, what legacy are you or other leaders leaving behind?
Are you respected? Or hated?
Do your staff follow you, or shy away from you?
Do they respect your opinion, views, and decisions, or do they criticize you behind your back?
I know over the years, I've had to make decisions that weren't always popular, though I firmly believe in my heart, they were the right decisions at the time.
Decisions aren't always going to be popular. But that's not what we're there to do.
What's your legacy as a leader?
Comments