Michel de Broin
Summary.
When a CEO transition fails, it’s often because the incoming leader isn’t skilled at managing the power dynamics. They’re complex because the key players—the board, the outgoing CEO, and the new one—have different agendas. Designated successors need to understand those dynamics and how best to influence key stakeholders. The authors present four approaches: assertive persuasion, incentives and disincentives, common vision, and openness and involvement. To convince others that they’re ready to take charge, successors must learn how and when to apply them, consider the culture, secure the right allies, and act humbly. Once they take the helm, two other tasks become paramount: winning board support and clarifying and conveying a vision.
Of all the decisions that a company’s board of directors makes, choosing the next CEO is arguably the most crucial. A failed CEO succession can disrupt employees’ work, cause senior talent to jump ship, damage the company’s reputation, erase enormous value, and ruin the careers and legacies of the outgoing CEO, the board, and the designated successor.