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Leadership Transitions
A failed leadership transition can set an organzation back years and even lead to its demise. It is critical that outgoing and incoming leaders, along with their boards of directors and friends of the organization, work together to get succession right. When Steve Woodworth, president of Masterworks, a marketing and fundraising agency that serves faith ministries of all sizes, approached me about helping him with a book, I was thrilled to partner with him. Steve has had the privilege of getting to know CEOs of many of the leading Christian organizations nationwide and has heard the inside stories of countless leadership transitions, both successful and disastrous. For this book, he interviewed current and former CEOs, board members, staff members, pastors, and more to glean their wisdom on what makes a succession work and what does not. Steve's research, along with four decades of experience in the Christian nonprofit world, led him to identify five truths that must be addressed in order to implement a successful succession: 1) The board of directors needs help and too often doesn't realize it. 2) Culture fit is critical, which makes hiring from within a huge advantage. 3) Humility is the secret sauce for success. 4) Outgoing leaders must receive respect. 5) Clear communication makes it all work.
Rich Stearns, president emeritus of World Vision US, writes: "Steve Woodworth's book, Lost in Transition, unlocks the crucial factors that determine solid and drama-free leadership transitons. This book should be required reading for every ministry leader and their board members--long before a leadership succession is imminent."
Leadership Transitions
A failed leadership transition can set an organzation back years and even lead to its demise. It is critical that outgoing and incoming leaders, along with their boards of directors and friends of the organization, work together to get succession right. When Steve Woodworth, president of Masterworks, a marketing and fundraising agency that serves faith ministries of all sizes, approached me about helping him with a book, I was thrilled to partner with him. Steve has had the privilege of getting to know CEOs of many of the leading Christian organizations nationwide and has heard the inside stories of countless leadership transitions, both successful and disastrous. For this book, he interviewed current and former CEOs, board members, staff members, pastors, and more to glean their wisdom on what makes a succession work and what does not. Steve's research, along with four decades of experience in the Christian nonprofit world, led him to identify five truths that must be addressed in order to implement a successful succession: 1) The board of directors needs help and too often doesn't realize it. 2) Culture fit is critical, which makes hiring from within a huge advantage. 3) Humility is the secret sauce for success. 4) Outgoing leaders must receive respect. 5) Clear communication makes it all work.
Rich Stearns, president emeritus of World Vision US, writes: "Steve Woodworth's book, Lost in Transition, unlocks the crucial factors that determine solid and drama-free leadership transitons. This book should be required reading for every ministry leader and their board members--long before a leadership succession is imminent."
“Lost in Transition has the ring of truth and the smell of battle. Steve Woodworth clearly describes reality infused with hope. His principles of search, selection, and succession form a blueprint for a rational and godly process. This is a must-read for every CEO and board."
Jerry E. White, Ph.D., Major General, U.S. Air Force (retired), International President Emeritus, The Navigators