The Leader's Legacy

by David L. McKenna

"Succession begins before we assume a position of leadership, not when we get ready to leave it," writes David McKenna. Instead of focusing narrowly on how a leader can maximize his or her role, McKenna illuminates a leader's place within the grand scope of an organization's history and mission. "A leader," McKenna informs, "builds upon the past, gives momentum to the present, and leaves the promise of greater things to come." To illustrate this "Succession Principle," McKenna points to "The Greatest Succession Story Ever Told"-that of John the Baptist preparing the way and then stepping aside for Jesus. Artfully weaving together the example of John the Baptist and wisdom gleaned from his own 50 years as pastor, educator, and executive in higher education, McKenna lays out 12 succinct rules of succession, guiding both new and experienced leaders from topics such as: building upon your organization's history and contributing to its ongoing story, perceiving the signals that tell when it's time to step aside, transferring loyalty from yourself to your successor, managing your emotions during your transition, rejoicing in a job well done and celebrating your successor, letting history be your judge. McKenna shows us how to be servant-leaders who prepare the way for greater things.

Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

About the author

Dr. David Loren McKenna (b. 1929) is Founding Chair of the Northwest Graduate School of the Ministry, Redmond, Washington. He served for 50 years in Christian higher education, including 33 years as a college, university, and seminary president. His national reputation as an educator was acclaimed when he was finalist for Secretary of Education in the Reagan cabinet. He and his wife, Janet, have four children and twelve grandchildren.

Reviews

[Reid Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A leader builds upon the past, gives momentum to the present, and leaves promise of greater things to come."

David L. McKenna is an excellent source of profound leadership. He served 33 years as a president at three different Christian colleges, thus his wisdom is pretty much unparalleled. In the The Leader’s Legacy, McKenna addresses the difficulties of leadership transitions.

Changes in leadership are nearly always trigger problems. These problems can come from anywhere, but they are naturally very turbulent. The new leader may bring a new style, a novel vision, or an updated mission. On the other hand, the outgoing leader may leave unprepared employees, budgetary missteps, and a narrative of distrust.

McKenna gives us simple thoughts about a leader’s exit. He employs the story of John the Baptist as a leader in transition. John the Baptist had every opportunity to amplify his message, boost his followers, and spread his fame, but he knew his purpose and the great importance of exiting.
It is amazing to see how a leader’s departure can have such a major effect on his or her legacy. In some ways, it can be said that an entire legacy can be tarnished simply by how a leader steps down.

This is a great book. I will probably be more applicable to me when I finally reach that age where I must step down as a leader.