Being chosen for a position of leadership is a great honor. It shows someone noticed your potential and asked you to come along for the ride. Or maybe you chose yourself to lead. You took measured action and stepped up to the plate. And you’ve been leading ever since.
But there comes a day when we’ve all got to make the choice to move on. Whether or not you make the choice is up to you.
Image by Mark Fosh
However, it’s a decision you don’t make lightly. You know you’ve been blessed with a great position, leading a great team, and having the time of your life. Except for when it’s not.
Let’s look at 3 reasons you might make the choice to move on in your leadership duties.
You’ve accomplished what you set out to do: Our roles as leaders might be a temporary position based on what needs to be accomplished at the time you’re leading. Have you and your team complete the task to the best of your ability. If that’s the end of your leadership duties, be okay with it. Know you’ll have other opportunities later on.
Another opportunity has presented itself to you: This one is truly exciting! You’ve been leading well and doing a great job. All of a sudden a new opportunity to lead elsewhere arises.
You know you’ve got to weigh the pros and cons of the staying or leaving. The easiest way to do this is to use the Ben Franklin method.
The company no longer aligns with your purpose: I think this may be the hardest reason to chose to move on. After all of the effort you’ve put into building a great team, the company may go in a different direction than what you feel is appropriate or away from your purpose. This may be the time to exit the leadership position and search for something new.
Making the choice to move on is rarely an easy choice to make. You’ve established relationships, you’ve done great work, and you’ve helped the company succeed. But every thing has a time and a season. Realize when it’s time to gracefully exit the stage and move on.
Question: What are your thoughts on moving on from a position of leadership? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.