Leadership - Succession Plans
In almost three decades of advising public and private company boards, I’ve seen a few well-made succession plans. But I must say, it often sits low on the priority list. Boards and leadership teams battle the urgent, market turns, political issues, regulatory matters, staffing crises, and financing deadlines. All that chaos leaves little time to think and plan for board succession, senior executive succession, or a vision for mentoring the next stewards.
The Christian life is a succession plan. We are told to “go and make disciples.” The whole exercise is developing our replacement team. It ought to be all about those we train, mentor, teach, and encourage to do more and build more than we ever dreamed or imagined. Do you think Jesus waited to start His succession plan? He began well before Day 1.
So why, in many companies, is the very topic of succession taboo? We need help with our aim. Our scopes need recalibrating as much as our skates need sharpening. It’s not about us. Nor is it about the “invaluable” executive, the genius with a thousand helpers - the guy with so much institutional knowledge that he seems irreplaceable. No one is irreplaceable. Often, those hardest to imagine leaving are the very ones blocking true growth, innovation, and competitiveness. God, thankfully, has a way of dealing with those guys.
God forbid we think the Pope will live forever. News: he won’t. God knows we’ve had good popes, bad popes, great ones, and infamous ones. Much like Canadian politics, except we’re still searching for the good popes there.
Seriously, who will succeed us? Our hockey coaches knew. Good grandparents knew. The saints who taught us in Sunday School knew. It’s disciples of Jesus Christ, that’s who will succeed us. God always has His people. And He uses His people to make His people. Godly men and women are long remembered and revered. Wicked people, rightly reviled, are quickly forgotten.
God forbid we become blowhards waxing on about our high school hockey careers. I’ve been that guy. I’m embarrassed by it now. Sure, how well you played football or figure skated, or who went to your high school, it’s interesting. It was a big deal. But will God mention it in Revelation 22:12 when He addresses you? Maybe. It’s indeed part of our story. But so is everyday life. The way we treat our wives every day, and how we treat the old and the isolated. The way we notice new people at church and whether we invite them over for lunch or just wish them well and a nice day. The way we truly mentor teammates and how we fight the loudmouths who never let others speak. I suspect Jesus means business when He speaks of the need for us to care for “the least of these.” Actions rooted in faith in Christ will shine with eternal glory.
So don’t be so easily impressed, as I once was as a young lawyer, with the local investment bankers. Man, what I would have done to join First Energy twenty-five years ago; they had all the good deals in Calgary, and the best Stampede parties. When I eventually moved from securities law to investment banking, I discovered the people I went on mission trips with were far more interesting than the deal jockeys.
Don’t be overly impressed with the gurus. The Jobs, da Vincis, Borgias, Musks, Gates, Charlemagnes, or Churchills. Yes, give each his due. History is shaped by great men. But truly, be impressed by Jesus Christ. Nothing was created except through Him (John 1:3-4). He alone will create the new heavens and new earth. The man of God is the true Renaissance man. To be interesting, be interested in others because you are interested in Jesus.
Be impressed by those Jesus calls great in God’s eyes. John the Baptist: steadfast, righteous, clear, holy, preparing the way for Jacob’s Ladder (John 1:51). Solomon: wise, passionate, a passer-on of proverbs, a songwriter, a ruler who knew how to remove jerks and build effective teams; a lover and a builder (1 Kings 4:29-34). And be impressed by the Foundation Stones, the faithful Apostles. Those twelve men who saw Jesus and then transformed this world for eternity. God willing, we’ll hear much more about them someday.
Jesus started His succession plan long before His ministry began. And what a plan it was. Thankfully, we are wealthy inheritors of it. And, God willing, we will faithfully pass it on.
In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, we see what makes a wise Christian leader. In my experience, if a man hasn’t managed his household and parented well, he likely lacks the godly character to lead an organization well. Today is a great day to commit to good leadership in the year to come. Be grounded, stubbornly humble, driven to set your family and your companies up for long-term success far beyond your own tenure.
Leaders need to make clear succession plans. I’m no expert here. Gosh, I’m like a little child, praying God helps Kari and me support and encourage our adult children, among many other needs. But let me encourage you, Christian businessman: mentor well. Plan who will lead next in your organization. As much as it’s in your power, whether church board or NYSE company board, intentionally prepare others to step into your role.
The Bible shows timeless principles for proactive succession and leadership reorganization. Times were different 3,000 years ago, but King David’s and Solomon’s wisdom is godly and timeless. We see the age-old problems. People still jockey for power. Even after plans are set, the jockeying continues. And the Bible gives us examples of age-old solutions.
King David didn’t need surveys to know Adonijah would fail. He listened to God and chose Solomon, the right man. Once in command, Solomon took command. He removed the so-called irreplaceables. He even turned down his mom’s request, which would have likely ended in another civil war. Men, like King Solomon, get the right people on the bus. That’s God’s way. Better to proceed with humble people of integrity than keep flashy geniuses who act like they alone hold the secret to the company’s future.
The key to planning well? Love Almighty God (1 Kings 3:3). Without loving Jesus and walking in friendship with Him, we will lack perspective and vision for God’s things. A good leader who builds a team to surpass his vision needs God’s hand of friendship. If God is against you, no amount of cleverness or wealth matters. Friendship with God requires integrity, honesty, faithfulness to His principles, truth in word and deed.
Like the Apostles, we must daily seek God’s purpose for our lives. With His guidance, we can govern well, at home and in our companies. If we can’t tell right from wrong, we’re adrift, useless, and can expect little now or in eternity.
God asks those who love Him and obey His call: “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” God's offer is incredibly generous. Yet it tests our character as much as it did Solomon (1 Kings 3). Life is tough. Starting well and finishing well both require God-given wisdom.
Firmly establishing Solomon’s rule took both David’s action and Solomon’s resolve. Despite pressure from his adored mom, the priest, and the military leader, Solomon, convicted by God, eliminated political, spiritual, and military opposition. David's succession plan was an incredible success. His prayers and his planning paid off.
What’s the harsh reality in your company? The brutal facts of your SWOT? Who will best fill key roles to bring fearless leadership for revitalizing building, innovation, and growth?
Solomon had ten senior leaders. That remains today the ideal span of control for a CEO. Solomon trusted his high officials. You can’t lead alone. Establish your team: remove the wicked, and appoint capable, loyal, wise people committed to Jesus Christ.
At the outset, Solomon showed he was more than capable by taking command. He was ruthless when needed. Yet he was fair and just. Set rules. Expect obedience. Hold people accountable.
Get your organization firmly in your grip (1 Kings 1:46). Yes, that includes the right commitment, the right team structure, and the right succession planning. Plan your succession every day, by how you treat others and how you pour into your team. Your organization is a reflection of the character of its leaders. God willing, it will be a reflection of Jesus Christ.
A few practical thoughts. Whether you run a small family business or sit on a Fortune 500 board, be intentional about who succeeds you. Don’t let it turn into jockeying, politics, or Hunger Games. That’s not the Christian way. Pray. Pray hard for wisdom and for more chances to show your priorities through your actions. Pour into people. Invest time, encouragement, and truth into the next generation. And if you absolutely have to speak, then for the love of God, be succinct. Plan what you’re going to say. And say it as though you are speaking for Jesus. For you are.
Christmas is a perfect time to pause and plan for the new year. Be like Jesus. Build a great team of effective fishers of men. Eclectic. Gifted. Determined. Bold. Brave. Creative. Fearless. Pray for a team like that. Pray to be succeeded by a team like that. Then let’s watch what God does with the wonderful seeds you plant.
Pray for your wife, kids, and grandkids. Pray for opportunities to serve them well this Christmas. Serve with the love of Christ. Show it in words. Show it in deeds. Make memories that point to Him. Lead your family with intention. Pass on faith like a treasured inheritance.
Keep leading well, gentlemen. May God be with us all as we build. Amen.
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