Passing the Baton

The other day, I found myself watching a relay race on one of those obscure sports networks--the kind you stumble across while channel surfing and suddenly cannot look away from. What caught my attention was not just the raw speed of the runners but the precision of their teamwork.

Each athlete ran their leg of the race, but what really stood out was what happened after they passed the baton. Some runners, as soon as their part was done, stopped completely. Their job was finished. But the most successful teams? Their runners stayed engaged. They kept watching, cheering, staying mentally in the race--because their success was never just about their own leg. It was about making sure the team as a whole made it across the finish line.

That got me thinking about my own career. I have spent decades working in information security and banking, often stepping into critical moments--helping assess risk, refine processes, or strengthen security. But real success was never just about completing my part. It was about what happened after I passed the baton. Did I set the next team up for success? Did I stay engaged to make sure the work kept moving forward?

I remember one particular project where I was brought in to help update a bank’s security policies. It was a massive effort, and when my piece was done, I could have just walked away. But I stayed involved--helping the internal team adjust, checking in on implementation, and making sure they felt supported long after my direct role ended. That made all the difference in long-term success.

The same principle applies when leaving a role. Whether it is a job, a leadership position, or even an informal role within a team, how you pass the baton matters. A smooth handoff--one that includes clear guidance, encouragement, and support--sets up whoever comes next for success. Too often, people check out as soon as they know they are moving on. But real leadership is not just about what you accomplish while you are in the role. It is about what you leave behind when you go.

At the end of the day, success is never a solo act. The best work, the strongest teams, and the biggest achievements are built on continuity--one person setting up the next, ensuring progress does not stop with them. The goal is not just to finish your own race. It is to make sure the team, the organization, or the mission keeps moving forward long after you have passed the baton.