As a leader, it is your responsibility to have a succession plan. Your succession plan gives you and your team a better idea of when you will move on and those who are in line to take your place as you transition out of your current role. Although it is scary to think about moving on, it is important for you to think about the transition, communicate the transition plan, and then execute that plan when the time comes. Many times, leaders are afraid to move on because they are fearful of what could happen to the organization if they are no longer manning the ship. They are afraid to give up control. However, when a team is unsure of the succession plan, they can become disgruntled and apathetic. This change in attitude of the team can impact the way the leader is thought about in the future. Instead of the leader exiting with the team speaking highly of their accomplishments, the leader is leaving with the team lamenting their decision to not pass the torch.
Thoughtful succession planning is a way to break free of the status quo. Now, the team may be skeptical, and even critical of new leadership. However, when the succession plan has been rolled out in a way to create buy-in and highlight the skills of the new leadership, the team has an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the former leader while breaking out of the status quo and try new approaches to problem solving. McCord Consulting Group can help you craft your legacy, create your succession plan, and give your team the opportunity to break free of the status quo with new leadership.
For more information on ways in which I can motivate your team, follow along on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. For more information on board governance and strategic facilitation, follow along on LinkedIn or Instagram. Nikki McCord is the founder of McCord Consulting Group & McCord Speaks, the only choice for organizations looking to energize, innovate, and pursue new paths beyond the status quo.