The reason we called a leadership transition “succession” is that it is a forward-looking process. Every generation of leader will face new and different obstacles, challenges and goals. Looking back to recreate past success will fail.
A cactus is generally unapproachable. You know this because most of them are covered in prickly spines that pierce the skin and hurt if you grab them. You wouldn’t want to hug one—it’ll leave scars.
Easy lessons are the ones where the stakes of failure don’t affect your ability to learn them. But not every lesson in life is easy. James 3:2 reminds us, “For we all stumble in many ways…”
Today leaders often lecture on “embracing change” or being “change agents” in an organization. But the reality is that most people—employees and leaders alike—hate change. We value stability and predictability.
Integrity in a bridge structure is not unlike integrity in a leader. A leader of integrity is known for being honest, for having a strong moral foundation, and conducting himself ethically and in an upstanding manner.