Photo by roya ann miller on Unsplash
As both the chair and CEO, he’d been the leader of the company he founded for twenty years.
At this board meeting, his innovation team, a cross section of the company’s talent, presented the next generation of product and service mix his company would launch in the New Year.
Key to the launch decision was the extent of the positive feedback from existing customers and non-customers alike.
He was delighted with the presentation and congratulated the people who were responsible.
“You have created a superb mix with a great new look that our customers clearly will embrace.
There are new customers who will embrace your creation.
You have also unintentionally signalled that it is time you had a new leadership team to take the company forward.”
The room was shocked into total silence.
“Don’t worry” he said, “we’ll be careful, and we are well prepared. My CEO position will be the first that requires replacing and I urge that the chair be a separate appointment.
I’m happy to become a non-executive director to help with the transition.
What do you think?”
The silence was now tinged with fear.
Finally, the deputy chair said “Are you sure you mean this?”
“I’ve never been more certain. It’s perfect timing for the company and the team. It’s perfect timing for our new offering and our customers. We have a succession plan and we’ve been practicing it.”
Later a journalist asked the new CEO “What was the real reason for the change?”
The new CEO looked at the journalist silently for a moment, then she said “We all have our “used-by” date as leaders, and in our company we have no qualms about relinquishing leadership for the benefit of the company, our people and our customers. We remain in honour.”
Can you imagine having that level of selflessness? Have you experienced a truly selfless leader?
