What happens to your organization when you leave? Dr. David Ashcraft, President and CEO of the Global Leadership Network, tackles the critical yet often neglected topic of succession planning with remarkable transparency and practical wisdom.
Ashcraft's leadership journey took an unexpected turn after a pivotal conversation with Jim Collins, who challenged him with a provocative insight: "You'll never be a level five leader until you've actually left your organization and it's better with you gone than with you there." This single statement transformed Ashcraft's approach to leadership at LCBC Church, where he served as senior pastor for 32 years, growing the congregation from 150 to over 25,000 people across multiple locations.
The conversation reveals succession planning as both a strategic process and a deeply personal journey. Ashcraft details how he developed a comprehensive 10-year succession plan focused on organizational health rather than personal timing, identified and systematically developed his successor, and navigated the unexpected emotional challenges of letting go. His candid reflections on battling pride after stepping away provide a rare glimpse into the psychological dimensions of leadership transition.
Perhaps most valuable are the practical insights Ashcraft offers: the importance of documentation, creating a special succession subcommittee, implementing a careful transition period, and remaining physically absent after departure to allow new leadership to flourish. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes that true succession isn't about managing your exit but ensuring your organization thrives long after you've gone.
Whether you lead a church, nonprofit, or business, this conversation offers a masterclass in planning for your organization's future beyond your tenure. It challenges leaders to shift focus from "what's next for me" to "what's best for the organization I'm leading"—a perspective that ultimately defines leadership legacy.
BelemLeaders–Your organization's trusted partner for leader and team development. Visit our website to connect: belemleaders.org or book a discovery call today! belem.as.me/discovery
Until next time, keep doing great things!
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