4 steps organizations should consider prior to a beloved leader’s departure
Twenty years after creating what is now a $10 million environmental advocacy group, the founding director has chosen to retire. As the driving force, the director’s energy and foresightedness have been the primary face of this nonprofit organization as it lobbied to protect local public areas and encourage sustainable community programs. Employees and volunteers have come and gone during those years, but the leader steadfastly remained at the forefront.
Organizations, whether for-profit or nonprofit, are frequently faced with this dilemma. How can the organization replace a charismatic founder-entrepreneur and still maintain growth? What type of leader is required for this new phase? When possible, the search should begin at least six months prior to the official date of retirement.