In everything you do, you should strive to leave it better than you found it. This is something my parents instilled in me from a very young age. If I borrowed something, I had better return it better than I found it. My Dad was especially firm on this lesson. You wouldn’t dare take a wrench out of Dad’s tool chest and put it back not wiped down with grease all over it. There would be a serious conversation to follow if you didn’t return it better than you found it. It’s a reflection of your character and personal brand. He always reminded me and my brothers that we’re personally responsible for the character and integrity of the last name written on the back of our jerseys (metaphorically speaking). It’s a way of life. When I see young children or teenagers behaving poorly, I often think about their home life. Where do they learn to behave poorly? Where do they learn to do right? This was the point my parents were making in all their life lessons; to include, leave it better than you found it. As my Dad was with me, I’m especially firm with my children on this lesson. With that in mind, imagine the perception of others if your actions were the exact opposite. What if you borrowed something and returned it broken or dirty. How would that reflect on your character or personal brand? The answer is obvious.
I apply this same lesson professionally. If you take a new job, work every day with the mindset of leaving it better than you found it. If you do this, you will always be progressing and moving forward. This is more of a mindset and lifestyle, but one that translates to a successful professional career. Some might argue that “leaving it” suggest you’re starting a new job with the end in mind. The reality is that you will likely change jobs several times throughout your professional life. Each time, you should leave it better than you found it. Over the course of time, you will have a resume filled with successful engagements. I treat this lesson like a goal. Goals are best achieved if your write them down and give yourself visual reminders. Leaving it better than you found is a daily goal of mine.
In closing…when separating from an employer, whether voluntary or involuntary, you should be leaving your position better than when you received it. During your time did you improve things for the betterment of the company, or did things regress? Ask yourself, are you leaving it better than you found it? Identify and set your benchmarks on your next endeavor so you can answer this question with confidence when it comes time to separate; whether it be retirement or otherwise. Leaving it better than you found it is a legacy that defines your character and integrity both personally and professionally.