Why Leaders Should Have Term Limits
Roberta Matuson
Strategic Advisor on Talent | Global Executive Coach | Public Speaker I Brand Ambassador | HBR Contributor I Helping organizations attract & retain the best people.
Here's an excerpt from my latest book, The Magnetic Leader, which launched earlier this week.
The office of the president of the United States has term limits. Leaders in organizations should have term limits as well. Here’s why:
You may no longer be right for one another. I’ve always said that if I had come over on the Mayflower, I would have felt compelled to head west after my work was done setting up the colony. That’s because I’m a strategist. I don’t enjoy routine work, nor am I particularly good at it. A lot of leaders are like me. They may be the right person at a certain point in the business. However, they may no longer be the best person to have in a leadership role, or in any role, as business needs shift.
You’re breathing your own exhaust. If you’ve ever worked in an organization where there is rarely change in leadership, then you understand how stifling it can be. When leaders remain in place forever, there is no room for fresh air or new ideas. Rotating leaders out of the organization allows new people to come in and energize the company.
You’ve got leaders who have retired in place. We all know people who have stayed with an organization because it was easier to do so than it was to leave. These individuals do their jobs and nothing more. They usually fly under the radar screen and try not to get noticed. This is a problem, especially if the leader heads a team of people who want to be noticed for their own contributions. Do yourself and this leader a favor: agree when his term will be up and take steps to find a new leader who is excited to take office.
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Chief Executive Officer | Driving Positive Progress & Operational Excellence | Expert in Turnaround & Restructuring Strategies| “Opinions expressed are solely my own & do not express views or opinions of my employer”
6 年Great article Roberta and thanks for sharing, true leader are courageous enough to step down at their peak to allow others continue the journey successfully.
Zero-Defect Quality Trainer/Strategist/Consultant Owner/Director Business Transformation Consulting LLC
6 年Great food for thought. I have supported a number of turnarounds. I have found that there may be one leader or type of individual to come in and stabilize the organization and business, and then another individual to drive it to the next level. Rarely are these one and the same person. Elizabeth's comment is profound... there truly is leadership in leaving, taking action when the fit is no longer correct.
Proven Non Profit Chief Executive/Strategist - Retired
7 年There is leadership in leaving.
Well said. I'm like you; an inventor and problem solver. Operational implementation is boring! New leadership also brings fresh ideas. It is very hard to invent oneself; harder still if you have had wide experience built over the years. You have your idea set and often think you have the answers. Many such leaders aren't open to the creative ideas of others.
Unemployed
7 年This is helpful.