Succession Planning: Passing the Baton
Luke Kuepfer • June 26, 2020
In John 17:6-19 Jesus prayed for his disciples’ protection and sanctification as he prepared them to continue his mission. He had come to the end of his earthly mission and the time had come to pass on the baton.
A leader planning for his or her succession is like passing the baton in a relay race. The ability to pass the baton successfully determines the ongoing success of the organization and the leader’s legacy. A proper passing of the baton is the most crucial part of the race.
Consider the following rules for the successful passing of the baton:
- The one passing the baton must keep running full steam until the baton is passed. Runners are always tempted to let up because they are tired and almost finished. Similarly, leaders are often tempted to slow down and coast in their final days of leadership rather than finish strong.
- The one receiving the baton must start running before he or she receives it. The receiver doesn’t begin from a standstill but is already moving and gaining speed. Successful leaders train and empower others to take on their roles long before they finish. They pass on the baton to those they have developed only when they are up to speed.
- Both runners must remain in the same lane. To step outside the lines forfeits the race. In leadership, the one receiving the baton cannot have a totally different agenda from the one passing it on.
- The baton must be passed in a timely fashion. The transition cannot be extended indefinitely. A leader needs to decisively let go of control when transitioning out of his or her role.
- If the exchange is handled properly, it’s possible to gain a step in the transition instead of losing a step. Great leaders set their successors up for greater success than they experienced.
- Once the baton is exchanged, those passing on the baton do not run alongside the next runner as a coach. Rather, they run to the finish line to cheer on their successor. Real leaders care more about the mission and the people they develop than themselves. After they let go, they get out of the way and assume the posture of a cheerleader.
[Next week we will look at some barriers to passing the baton in leadership and some solutions to overcome them.]
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