The #1 Secret for NextGen Succession Readiness
Something I see a lot at the outset of a succession planning engagement, is an undercurrent of nervous energy. A sense of excited anticipation is all mixed in with the worry or fear that comes with uncertainty.
When kicking things off with potential successors, a question I often ask is, “Are you ready for succession planning to begin in earnest?” Their initial response is pretty consistently, a resounding yes. Yet, just as consistently, I sense hesitation, self-doubt and sometimes skepticism below the surface.
If this is how you feel, it’s time to look inward because here’s the #1 secret for succession readiness: It’s an inside game that starts with you!
In this game, only you can decide what winning looks like for you. Clarity on your win empowers you to be a thought partner in creating a plan for succession that is a true win-win-win. A win for you. A win for the owner/shareholders. A win for clients.
Self-reflection is not optional
Legendary football coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant was spot on with his message about preparation being more important than “will” when it comes to winning in the sports arena. This is also true when it comes to preparing for ownership and leadership succession!
“It’s not the will to win that matters- everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters” – Paul “Bear” Bryant
Here’s a question for you, “Are you willing to be reflective and invest in your own professional development?”
Succession READY NextGen leaders and shareholders will answer yes, even in the face of uncertainty, self-doubt or hesitancy.
Succession ready means YOU are clear on your:
- Visionfor your career and life
- Self-assessmentof the skills and personal qualities you need to develop as a leader
- Role in communicating candidly and transparently…starting now
- Responsibility for your professional development
With clarity on what you want and a real desire to live your vision, you can thoughtfully design a development plan and invest in the support, resources and time required to move forward with confidence whether you remain in your firm or explore your options.
Are you willing to be accountable… to yourself?
Self-accountability is a “muscle” you must build to win the inside game.
Your capacity for self-accountability just may be the largest determinant of you truly being succession and leadership ready.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines accountability this way: the quality or state of being accountable; especially: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.
My sense is most people would agree this definition is pretty straight forward. YET, many NextGen professionals struggle with embracing the concept when it comes to their own professional development.
Unfortunately, too often, the struggle is rooted somewhere between the entire team being caught in the “cross currents” of urgency and the “weight” of the status quo.
What to do? Start here: Commit to your vision for yourself! Make building your capacity for self- accountability and professional development non-negotiable… with yourself!
Next: Ask for support. Whose help would make all the difference in creating win-win? This is a fantastic opportunity to be a leader and demonstrate your commitment to authentic and transparent communication.
Finally: Put it in writing! Map out your plan with specifics. And, importantly, calendar time for reflection, learning and practice.
Are you ready, willing and able to commit to winning the inside game?
You can do this. I can help.
Clients hire me to guide and support them in becoming Succession Ready. Let’s work together to design a clear path forward starting right where you are.
Click here to download our complimentary report- “5 Questions Business Owners Never Ask and Should, to Create a Succession Plan that Works ”
