When I was a child I loved to read. Some of my favorite books were about ancient civilizations. I enjoyed learning obscure facts and details about those civilizations.

I enjoyed studying history so much I considered majoring in history when I went to college.

Today, I still have a fascination with history.

[callout]When I travel, I always want to learn the history of my travel destinations.[/callout]

During a recent vacation in Central America, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Belize. While we had previously visited Belize on mission trips, however we didn’t have time to explore the rich history of the country.

Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America. It a diverse society, with many cultures and languages that reflect its rich history. Belize’s recorded history began as the Mayan civilization expanded across the Yucatan Peninsula and highlands to the south.

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Belize, the country was the thriving heartland of the Mayan civilization. Belize was the home of more than 1 million Mayans. Consequently, Belize is home to some of the earliest and most important pre-Columbian Maya archaeological sites. Belize has over 20 Maya historical sites, one of which is Altun Ha.

Altun Ha is located about 30 miles outside of Belize City. Archaeologist believe the city was founded B.C. 900 and occupied until A.D. 1000. The “Temple of Masonry Altars”, Altun Ha’s largest temple pyramids, stands 54 feet. Altun Ha was rediscovered in 1961 by W. R. Bullard.

Today Altun Ha is a popular tourist site. Visitors come from around the world to experience the legacy of the Maya civilization. As I stood on the top of the Temple of Masonry Altars and gazed over the different structures, I wondered what legacy would I leave behind.

[shareable cite=”Dr. Kim Moore”]Highly effective leaders understand the value of leaving a legacy.'[/shareable]

In his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell reminds leaders their value is not measured by what they achieve but by what they pass on to others. Jackie Robinson said, “A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives.”

Maxwell’s Law of Legacy states “A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession.” Are you building a legacy? If you aren’t sure, then Maxwell poses three considerations to help you build a legacy.

  • I possess a strong sense of why I am in my job and why I am leading.
  • In each position, I’ve held, I have identified people who can carry on after me, and I have invested in them.
  • One of my strongest motivations is to leave any team I lead better than I found it. (Maxwell, 1998)

If you answered yes to each statement, great you are on your way to building a lasting legacy. If not, that is okay! Why? Because today is a new day and you can start building your legacy today.

Are you building your legacy?

Your friend,
Kim

Dr. Kim Moore, your guide to leading with confidence!

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About the author

I'm Kim, your Educational Leadership Guide. I equip educational leaders with research-based and experientially learned educational leadership principles and best practices to promote student success.


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