Once upon a time in the patriarchal era of steep hierarchies, it was customary for executives to vet and groom the successors to their throne. It was a time when lifelong careers and long executive tenures at the same organization were normative. It's unclear if and whether that era will ever return. As cultures move from patriarchies to partnerships, succession loses relevance. Senior leaders instead grow vital and vibrant networks of talent. They can no longer predict the span or arc of their tenure, the evolving needs and markets of the organization nor the career aspirations of others they support.
When leaders grow talent and networks of talent, the next generation of leadership naturally and more authentically emerge.
Podcast of this post: 2014-10-22_17-48-34_137_1.m4a
