Reading through this article on transition, by Joan Garry (she’s always got something GREAT to say), I realized some sobering statistics about the state of nonprofit leadership in this country. I’d really not thought much about it before, but it’s true – there is a near mass exodus of boomers leaving Nonprofit Leadership. And I’m not sure that all of us are preparing years in advance to hand over the reins. And of course we should be.
Are Generation X’ers are unprepared to assume leadership roles in their nonprofits? Are those of us who are boomers preparing them to take charge? I’ve always managed exec roles with the idea that I could get hit by a train, and somebody’s going to have to pick up the slack. That might sound a little morbid, but it’s actually not. Because there is no train where I live.. . . . In spite of that, I’m not being morbid, I’m looking out for the well-being of the nonprofit and planning ahead.
A good Exec knows when it’s time. Sometimes (ideally) years in advance. But how do you go about leaving wisely?
Catch up on the situation by reading Structural Leadership Gaps, an interesting article by The Nonprofit Times. Then visit Joan’s page to find how to begin with a solid transition plan. Still need help? Give us a call if you want to chat, or need personal help getting a facilitated plan in place.
