The Successful Predecessor
By focusing on the success of their successor, a leader ensures their own legacy is one of inspiration, positivity, and enduring value.
The transition of leadership is captured in this professional moment, where a leader hands over the reins to their successor with a sense of shared purpose.
This scene represents more than just a job change; it is the culmination of every relationship and strategic alignment within the company coming together to create a singular, focused moment of continuity.
‘A successful successor is a sign of success of the predecessor’ Jim Bird 2016
I coined this phrase about 10 years ago as a result of leading many people and myself through transition and job or role changes.
It takes the view that you can power your team, leave a legacy of value and set them and yourself up for future success.
If you are moving on and have an opportunity to set up your successor and your team for future success why wouldn't you take it?
It challenges many of the negative assumptions of an all too common ego-centric view of being irreplaceable: that the company will fall over without you, or that the rod you have made for your own back can never be put down, simply because you are so important.
If a leader leaves and a company was to collapse, were they a successful leader? They would consider themselves very highly and certainly superior to their team. They may have led in such a way to separate themselves from their team, to push them down and / or raise themselves up.
In an opposing scenario, if a team is left ready to support a new leader, to be high performing and create successful leadership between them and the successor then your legacy as the predecessor is respected.
What might you leave for your successor to go that extra mile?
Many people will leave a handover document, explaining the key information about the role and the team. Imagine starting a new role and your predecessor left you an affinity map, explaining in detail how to work with your most important stakeholders. Imagine if they left you a strategy for the team. Or perhaps a gift sat waiting in your office drawer or in your inbox. Being more creative, a treasure hunt around the organisation's office or grounds. Wouldn't that be something?
If you have moved on or changed roles, would your former colleagues describe you as a successful predecessor?
Transition and change in your life can be supported by coaching. Coherence Coaching can help you think about leaving an environment and a successor in a positive position. Creating the space between you and your legacy full of potential.
What a legacy and impression you would have made on your team and your successor. A leader who’s gone on to greater things but left a legacy of inspiration and positivity.
Well if you are changing roles and want a successful successor to be a sign of success of the predecessor, Coherence Coaching can help you close the door on one role and open up the next, treasure hunt and all!
The successful predecessor handing over to the successful successor