I’m making a big transition. After 25 years, with the same “company” I’m moving on. And it’s a lot harder than one might think. When the leader leaves it can be a tricky thing for both the leader and those left behind. Today, we will focus on the leader.
Leaving isn’t easy, even when it is for the right reason and on good terms. I pour a lot into my work and give a lot of discretionary effort because there are always worthy challenges to solve. But, I now must place all of my hard work and organizational accomplishments in the hands of my successor and step away. It is out of my hands now. As I was divesting from all of the projects and responsibilities, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was worth it.
The famous Jewish King, Solomon, similarly reflected upon the value of work by saying:
“I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. So, my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune.” (Ecclesiastes 2:18-21, NIV).
You may recall this is the same man who asked God for wisdom to lead people well and with integrity. (1 Kings 3:9). Many times I have prayed as Solomon did, asking God to help me lead well and for wisdom to solve the organizational problems I’ve faced. I have prayed for the strength to do what I believed was honest and right, even when I knew it would come with consequences.
As a leader you serve up (boss), across (colleagues and other departments), and you serve down (your direct reports and departments). The goodbyes and kind messages I received from those I serve both warmed my heart and broke it (in a good way!). Of course, the praise and appreciation from my direct supervisor, the president, felt good – really good – but the heartfelt notes from my team and colleagues are really my highest prize. Here are a few of examples of the notes I received from employees:
- I have the utmost respect for you and all that you’ve done as our CFO. You have always supported me in [my time here] and I will always remember that – Thank You. I love listening to the stories that you bring up at our meetings because they illustrate the vast depth of knowledge that you have as a leader. The trust that you extend to me encourages me to do my best; you lead by example. May the next journey you embark on bring you much joy and happiness.
- In 21 years this is my first e-mail to a departing executive, but you are such an amazing positive force that I would be remiss not to. I have enjoyed every encounter with you, whether in the mailroom, the hallway, or a conference table. Best of luck to you with everything. You brought so much to the [organization].
- If your new opportunity doesn’t work out you should teach others how to be good managers, I know I will never again have such a good manager.
Similarly, colleagues sent wonderfully encouraging messages, such as: “You bring a level of competence, professionalism and polish to your work as CFO that was sorely needed, and will be sorely missed! I’m happy for you that you’re making this change, and sad to see you go. Thanks for your help and…work during your tenure as VP. You’ve been a great leader within our organization!”
These types of comments represent, in my opinion, the greatest reward – and evidence – of good leadership: the positive impact made on your team and your organization. I trust these and other message I received means I served them well, albeit imperfectly to be sure. I trust that I am leaving my team and the organization in a better place than they were before I arrived. And I firmly believe that when you positively impact people, your work can never be meaningless.
I have had a piece of pottery art hanging in my office for the better part of two decades, which reads:
Show up.
Pay attention.
Tell the truth.
Don’t be attached to the results.
For 25 years I showed up every day with my best whole self. I paid attention and took what I call proactive ownership over my area of responsibility (more on that in a future post), I led with integrity, told the truth and in the process made improvements. I supported my team and held them accountable for results. And now, I must do the hard work of letting go.
I wish my former team and colleagues well. I thank God for the opportunity to serve them and His purposes. And now I turn my gaze toward the next task to which God has called me. I will continue to pray that God gives me the wisdom to lead His people well, serve with integrity, and do what He has called me to accomplish in this generation. And I will leave the results – the outcome – up to Him.
This Week: Is there some result, some outcome, with which you are struggling? Spend some time thinking about what you really can control and what is honestly beyond your control. Focus on what you can do and do your best work. Then trust that you have done your part and let go of the results.