Navigating Succession: A Leader’s Journey To Successful Transition

Even though nothing has been announced to the whole congregation, the level of anxiety has risen to the point that our progress has been stymied and several members of the leadership team have started expressing concern about the future. This situation illustrates two of Resilient Leadership’s key principles—anxiety is contagious, and the leader’s anxiety is most contagious of all!

As discussions were held among different levels of leadership, two concerns began to emerge (one personal and one corporate):

• The transition of a founding leader creates a sense of uncertainty in a staff member’s mind about their continued role in the church, and
• Uncertainty about the continuity of the church's culture is a deep concern for many

As the leader who will be transitioning out, I came to understand that I have much less influence over these issues once my successor is in place. The one thing I can control is my level of anxiety about the process. If I can remain a calm and thoughtful leader through each stage, I can help others be as emotionally healthy as possible. The more I can practice being this less anxious presence, the greater the likelihood of a successful succession.

Thus, managing my own anxiety became my priority. With the encouragement of mentors around me, I took three steps which have proved to be helpful:

• I began to see a counselor to help me process the implications of my transition
• I began to prepare for my next chapter by participating in the Resilient Leadership Training program
• I was assured by my board that steps were taken to secure a financial future for me

Taken together, these three commitments have given me a deep sense of peace about the transition. I can move forward with confidence that the best days are still ahead for both me and the church!