Are you interested in a particular recognition, award, etc. Many want to achieve these tips of icebergs. Asked to further explain their goal, they describe the easily visible, shining glory-- the accolade, achievement, credit, recognition. They do not touch on the iterative, steady work that it takes to get to the tip.
It takes a long time to become an “overnight” success. Seth Godin says three to five years to gain traction; Jeff Bezos puts it at 10 years; Eddie Cantor said 20 years. So, when someone tells me they’d love to receive a given award for leadership and/or accomplishments someday, I say they are looking at 10-year (minimum) journey of meaningful efforts and achievements. And because of the dedication required, we should start by discussing what they want to accomplish in the way of actual, meaningful achievements and outcomes. Their legacy.
The hard work behind any recognition lies beneath the surface, almost invisible. Beyond the tip of the iceberg, others are unaware of the submerged mass of dedication that led to the recognition—the invisible 90% of the iceberg where hard work happens. The thought, tools, skills, sweat, rework, study, trials, etc.-- put into the effort. Their goal and passion to make some difference drives leaders to expend hours of dedication, commitment, persistence, risk-taking, practice, and even failures. They accept criticism, questions, and even self-questioning along the way. Their self-discipline keeps their eyes on the difference they seek—not the prize.
Your legacy is the impact you leave on your community, profession, patients, family. Rather than the award you receive, it is the accomplishment that led to the award. You can leave a legacy without having a trophy on the wall.