How to Have a Good CEO Transition by the Leaving CEO

Boards and in-coming CEOs are well-supplied with comment and advice on how to bring in a new CEO. There’s much less on how the outgoing CEO should manage the transition.

 I’ve been thinking about how to have a good exit as I’m moving on from Spread Group at the end of March. After eleven years at the company I want to make sure I leave it in good shape. 

The move will be into my fourth CEO role and I’ve learnt that your mission changes from the day it is decided that you are leaving. My single focus is has been about giving my successor the best opportunity to succeed.  

 On my new mission I’ve been concentrating on:

·      Communication – There’s always talk when a CEO moves on. I’ve been explaining why this move is good for the company and heading off any internal worries at source. I’ve also introduced my successor to the team, customers and suppliers. This helps to calm any fears and re-emphasise the general direction for the company.

·      Movement – Speaking of direction, I’ve tried to keep things moving forward! Much of what I am working on will be completed after I leave. It’s a balance to encourage the team to look to the future without making myself irrelevant. Mentally I’ve had to pretend to myself that I’m not leaving, that I will be there in a year to experience the the results of any projects I am involved with.

·      Knowledge – it’s been important to share what I know. I’ve been passing on anything I can think of to the team so that the company retains its valuable information. I’ve also created a long list of things my successor may not know, and shared it in advance so we can address anything before I leave.

CEOs should aim to step away from the business gracefully, in a way that ensures the company’s future growth. It can feel like a wrench for many, but I want to be sure that I passed the baton in safely and set the new CEO on the best track for success. 

Today was my last day, I completed my transition to SpreadGroups new CEO. I hope I have done everything I can to make him successful and welcomed. My last SpreadGroup Mission is done.