Succession Planning is one of the most important focuses organizations face in next years to come. Studies suggest that around 60% of newly promoted executive leaders fail within their first 18 months, emphasizing the importance of effective succession planning. Furthermore, only 35% of organizations actually have a formalized succession planning process for critical roles, indicating a significant gap in proactive leadership transfer strategies.
Pastor Todd Wright, a decades-long partner and facilitator of ILI, unpacks his story of navigating pivotal life events that forced him to reimagine his vision and focus on succession planning. With 40 years in ministry, including 28 years at his current church, Midway Church, Todd draws on his experiences, sharing how the onset of the pandemic led him to prioritize finishing well.
Inspired by his mentor, John Maxwell, Todd emphasizes the importance of preparing organizations for future transitions while remaining true to their core vision. Mentorship plays a crucial role in leadership development, and Todd's approach is both intentional and empowering. He believes in nurturing the next generation of pastors and leaders by encouraging mentees to take ownership of their growth. By sharing his journey with his own mentors, Todd highlights the incredible impact of having someone who genuinely believes in you.
This philosophy is not confined to church leadership alone. It extends to supporting young leaders across various fields, fostering a mindset that helps individuals grow into their best selves. Leadership transitions within organizations often require careful planning, courage, and clear communication.
Todd provides a transparent account of his experience with his successor, Kevin, detailing the steps taken to ensure a seamless transition. Drawing lessons from the biblical relationship between Paul and Timothy, he stresses the importance of setting boundaries and supporting new leaders without overshadowing them. As Todd moves towards a new role focused on mentoring, he underscores the significance of leaving a lasting legacy and using one's talents to impact future generations.
Join a community of leaders who are ready to change history and make an impact in this world. When you take part in ILI training, you will discover how ILI's Eight Core Values will help you transform your leadership. Discover more at ILITeam.org/discover.
