Finishing Well: Part I

Bob Shank, The Barnabas Group co-founder, shared with me and a group of leaders about succession planning recently. Bob said that succession choices include lingering, committing larceny, or leaving a legacy. In this series we’ll discuss all three beginning with lingering.

A friend of mine is retiring earlier than he originally intended. When asked why, my friend said he didn’t want to linger in his role, thereby harming his successor’s prospects and potentially harming the company.

In John 16:7, Jesus said, “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you.”

Even Jesus knew when it was time to depart. Too many leaders linger longer in their position than is ideal.

Sometimes it’s due to not knowing what to expect next and sometimes it’s financially driven. God has an ideal time for when our season should end or when He has a new role for us.

We need to trust God for what is next and wrap up when God makes it clear it is time, rather than linger beyond our usefulness.

Questions for Reflection

• Has there been a change in leadership at your business since you have been there? What went well? What went poorly?
• How long have you been in your current position? Who will be taking over for you? Are you anxious over the shift in leadership? If so, is it for your successor's sake or yours?
• Do you feel you are still adding value to your organization? How will you know when your value has diminished to the point that it is time to move on?
• What steps are necessary for you to assure you don’t get trapped lingering in a role longer than God desires?