Summer 2015
The theme for Summer 2015 is “Succession.”
The keys to seamless leadership succession
How would you feel as the new president of a Christian organization knowing that all five of the former founders and presidents were still actively involved in the ministry? Does just the mention of this send shivers down your spine as a leader? Well, this is my reality as the new president of the C.S. Lewis Institute, and I couldn’t be happier!
You are now wondering, “Is this guy crazy or just pl...
How releasing authority strengthens leaders
We don’t need to look hard in Scripture to find examples of strong relationships where responsibility and authority bound two individuals together in fulfilling the purposes of God: Moses and Joshua; David and Solomon; Eli and Samuel; Paul and Timothy. Each of these unique connections required unselfish leaders to move forward in tandem and agreement in order for the greater work to be accomplished.
To...
A path of blessings, growth and success
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” -Prov. 11:25
When Susan was hired as the executive director of her pregnancy center in 2006, she knew the calling was strong, and it was confirmed by the confidence that the board seemed to have in her abilities to lead an organization. But she had no experience in pregnancy center work, and as the job responsibili...
Why understanding the next generation is vital
When I (Lee) was ordained in 2014, a couple of my close friends gave me the gift of a wristwatch. Since receiving that gift, it has taken on a deep sense of meaning for me. More than just a timepiece, it has become a way of helping me better understand the world around me. A good wristwatch tells more than just the time; it describes a bit of the world around you.
When you look at a wristwatch, you will, ...
The importance of developing future leaders
Leadership is always a temporary assignment — always. It is a temporary assignment because leaders do not ultimately own the teams, ministries or organizations they lead. They simply steward what the Lord has entrusted to their care for a season. Wise leaders embrace the temporal reality of leading, and they prepare the ministry for the future. Because the assignment is fleeting, developing others for leadership ...
Planning for succession and follow-through
I can’t wait for next year’s Summer Olympic Games in Brazil. I love track and field events, especially the exciting relay races — often won or lost in the split seconds of passing the baton from one runner to the next. Do it with excellence and the whole team prospers. Fumble or drop the baton, and usually it’s impossible to regain a winning momentum. Leadership succession is like that. It is sai...
The board’s leadership in succession planning
One of the most important responsibilities of a ministry board is replacing its retiring CEO. While this event presents huge ministry opportunities, it can also be disruptive and filled with emotion, politicking and hurt feelings.
Sooner or later every ministry faces this challenge and how it is managed will have repercussions for years to come.
The specific steps to replace a retiring lea...
Books to Consider…
Great insights on leadership succession, hiring, team building and more!
The Succession Principle: How leaders make leaders
By David L. McKenna
(Cascade Books, 2014)
Succession is a hot topic in leadership development, and as a college, university and seminary president who experienced three successions in leadership, Dr. David McKenna is eminently qualified to speak on the subje...
Preparing leaders for a strong future
For more than a decade, leaders have been talking about the strategic role of “talent management.” A friend told me he was taking a new role as a global talent manager for a Fortune 100 company. He said the leaders at his organization believed that talent management was their next competitive advantage.
This focus on talent management takes on even greater significance if you look at the changing gener...
“In history’s judgment, leaders are only as good as the successors they groom.”
—The Economist, March 28, 2015
These words evaluate Rwandan president Paul Kagame, viewed as one of the most successful presidents in African history. He brought leadership to end genocide in 1994 and guided the rebuilding of his country into health, wealth and education beyond what it knew before. And yet, he has reputedly chased away, fired or exi...