As I reflected on President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, it reminded me of the difficult position board leaders often find themselves in when they must give themselves permission to ask beloved CEOs to step down. And, often equally as complex, is a CEO finding the courage to decide to step away when they no longer feel capable of performing at their peak.
In our work, we often find ourselves helping a board through the emotional decision to move a beloved and accomplished CEO into the next phase of their career. When a CEO serves an organization with excellence, a strong bond of gratitude and friendship can form with the board leadership and constituency. If the time comes when that CEO, for any variety of reasons, can no longer deliver with excellence, that deeply developed bond and relationship can make it very hard to see the truths about the CEO’s limitations. As hard as it is, it is the role of the board as stewards of the organization to help those leaders into their next role or into the next phase of their career all together with dignity and kindness in service of helping the organization to reach new heights.
Likewise, CEOs of organizations must also be willing to confront the difficult realization that continuing in their current role may no longer serve the organization at its fullest potential. This realization, though daunting and emotionally challenging, can be the highest form of service you can render to your organization.
Here are some things for us all to consider:
The Dilemma of Capability
Capable leaders often define their careers by their ability to navigate challenges and lead with conviction. However, as circumstances evolve, so do the demands placed upon leaders. Whether due to personal reasons, health concerns, or a shift in professional dynamics, recognizing when your capability to perform at the highest level is compromised requires courage and introspection.
The Service of Self-Awareness
Acknowledging that you may no longer be the best person to lead your organization forward is a testament to your commitment to its mission. By stepping away, you create space for fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and essential ingredients for organizational growth and sustainability. This act of self-awareness preserves your legacy and demonstrates a profound dedication to the organization’s long-term success.
The Challenge of Letting Go
Making the decision to step away from a role you’ve dedicated yourself to can be excruciatingly difficult. It may feel like letting down your team, your supporters, and yourself. True leadership extends beyond individual achievements to encompass the greater good of the organization. Embracing change and allowing new leadership to take the reins can breathe new life into stagnant situations and pave the way for innovation and progress.
Personal Growth Through Transition
Transitioning from a leadership role can also be a period of personal growth and reflection. It offers an opportunity to recalibrate personal goals, explore new passions, or pursue avenues where your skills and experiences can continue to make a meaningful impact. Embracing this change with grace and resilience sets a powerful example for others and reinforces the importance of humility and adaptability in leadership.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we must remember that professionals who lead nonprofit organizations do not own the organization they lead. The organization is owned by the community it serves and the board are the stewards of that mission-driven service. Board leaders must remember, even when they have longtime beloved leaders in place, that the organization’s ability to meet its mission is of primary importance. It is incumbent upon board leaders and stakeholders to be able to help CEOs to be successful and, if not, to find a way for everyone to part ways gracefully.
That difficult decision is helped tremendously by having a CEO who can truly hold a mirror up to themselves and see that staying in their role is not in the best interest of the organization or the communities they have dedicated themselves to serving. And recognizing this before it’s too late is probably one of the most profound acts of service one can make as the CEO of an organization. It requires courage, self-awareness, and a commitment to the organization’s mission above personal ambitions.
As we navigate our own professional journeys, we need to remember that true leadership is about knowing when to step forward and when to step aside — always with the organization’s best interests at heart. By embracing change and fostering a culture of self-awareness and growth, we can ensure that our organizations thrive long into the future.
