The Legacy Cake

Our mother worked in administration for the City of Tampa for 35 years. She led a team in the parking division who adored her, and they knew that she loved them! She was a strong and capable leader. But the way she led was far beyond her knowledge base or management acumen; she was a very hospitable leader. This turn of phrase, a rather new one is coined by Terry Smith, in his book, The Hospitable Leader, but the approach was one our mom exemplified day in and day out.

A hospitable leader is someone who creates conditions that speak to people’s hearts in such a way that they want to be led because they know they can trust their leader to help them thrive.  A leader can achieve this environment in a multitude of ways, but our mom used cakes.

As children, my sister and I witnessed Mom bake goodies for her team almost every week. Sometimes it would be to acknowledge a birthday or life event and other times it would be “just because.” 

Of course, the favorite treat was one of her delicious cakes. These cakes really made folks feel her genuine care for them. These cakes were the talk of the office (and of our family!) and these cakes brought people to the table to smile, laugh, share, and to remember what really matters.

 These cakes are a part of her legacy. The Legacy Cake.