ABOUT LEADERSHIP TRANSITION & SUCCESSION

PRINCIPLE: People are generally unprepared for life’s transitions. 

We must discern the time of “preparation for leadership transition.” We must prepare for it. We must “sow” (invest) into transition in order to reap succession. 

It is a dishonour to our elders to expect them to carry the entire weight of the ministry always. Mature sons and daughters pursue more responsibility. God defines “inheritance” as the giving of more responsibility.

***Stages of Leadership (Stages of Senior leadership) 

You are an INFLUENCE 

You are a MENTOR

You are a SHEPHERD 

You are a FATHER/MOTHER 

You are a COACH 

You are an ADVISOR 

***Stages of How Someone Relates to Their Leader 

You are influenced 

You are interested

You are submitted (to authority)

You are obedient 

You are responsible 

You are mature - (demonstrated by honour and asking questions). 

***Principles for Leadership Transition***

Leadership transition is best illustrated as a marathon runner passing a baton.

The second runner thinks he/s is exceptionally fast, but doesn’t realize that the first runner (leader) is taking the wind resistance…so the second runner can run faster and smoother. 

PRINCIPLE: The leader believes the successor has only 50% ability to succeed. 

The successor believes they have 150% ability to succeed. 

The reality is that the successor probably only has 70% of the ability of the leader. But once the baton is passed they are able to grow to 100% or MORE through time and experience. 

PRINCIPLE 1: You are only qualified to carry the baton if you can run at pace of the leader. 

PRINCIPLE 2: For a period of time both the leader and the successor are carrying the baton (ministry) together. 

PRINCIPLE 3: There comes a time when the leader will let go (Either through death, lack of energy, God’s call or general change of season). 

PRINCIPLE 4: Once the baton has been passed the successor/s can demonstrate their ability independently. 

PRINCIPLE 5: Transition and succession must be prepared for, in order to be executed effectively.