Succession principle, The

Book Description

Leadership often focuses on achieving success, but what if the most important question isn't what we accomplish, but what we leave behind? David McKenna, drawing from his extensive experience as a college, university, and seminary president through three leadership transitions, introduces a transformative perspective that shifts our attention from personal achievement to lasting impact.

At the heart of McKenna's approach lies the Succession Principle, which reveals three ascending levels of leadership significance. While what we bring to our roles matters, and what we accomplish during our tenure carries greater weight, the legacy we create for those who follow represents the ultimate measure of meaningful leadership.

This fresh framework opens an entirely new way of reading one of Christianity's most profound passages. McKenna guides readers through John 17, revealing how Jesus' final prayer serves as the ultimate model for succession-minded leadership. In this pivotal moment, Jesus demonstrates how to transfer enduring trust, transforming truth, and unifying love to those who will carry the mission forward.

Rather than pursuing leadership for personal success, McKenna shows how adopting a succession mindset unlocks specific gifts that enable us to complete our work, develop others, advance meaningful purposes, and participate in something greater than ourselves. This approach transforms leadership from a personal achievement into a seamless transition of sustainable gifts that continue long after we step aside.

For anyone seeking to lead with lasting purpose, this book offers a compelling alternative to conventional leadership thinking.