I wrote a short essay for the June Harvard Business Review on why it is so important for leaders to step down gracefully, whether they are leaving voluntarily or not. It was inspired by some leaders I know who have not stepped down gracefully, and in the process, have done moderate damage to their organizations and severe damage to their careers. Here is how it opens:
Some CEOs of long tenure must have gotten a slightly queasy feeling as they watched the recent events in the Arab world. Even if they bear no resemblance at all to Hosni Mubarak or Muammar Gadhafi—even if they are the most competent and benevolent of leaders—they may well feel horror at how rapidly the fortunes of a comfortable autocrat can disintegrate. They may wonder at the frightening human tendency, when the writing is on the wall, to resort to the denial, delusions, anger, and antics we’ve seen from despots in Africa and the Middle East.
If you would like a free PDF of this little essay, you can find get it here: https://archive.harvardbusiness.org/cla/web/pl/product.seam?c=11746&i=11748&cs=1e30763be64402b7a624de281722f66b. They only give 100 free ones so, when they are gone, they are gone.
P.S. Please forgive my lack of new posts lately, I am focused on trying to get a new book started and have not been in the blogging mood! I am hoping to start blogging a bit more soon, but can't predict my mood or motivation very well.
Bob, I interviewed Shawn for the HBR IdeaCast after reading his book and finding it incredibly helpful. I'm so glad to see it appearing here on your blog, as well!
Posted by: Christian Louboutin | May 30, 2011 at 01:34 AM
Great read! Thanks to the intro on David Kelley. I don't know why I haven't heard of him much.
Posted by: RealPeterMarti | May 20, 2011 at 08:22 AM