Have you planned for changes in your team? (90-3)

Leaders who fail to plan for their departure invite trouble on their team. Read 2 Samuel 2:4-11.

Saul could have been a hero if he had cooperated with God in preparing David to succeed him. Instead, Saul’s death led to all kinds of turmoil over who would be the next king. Despite Saul’s knowledge that God, through the prophet Samuel, had anointed David to be the next king, he viewed David as someone attempting to seize power. Saul’s decision not to aid his nation in finding their next leader after his departure caused the people of Israel several years of confusion after Saul’s death.

Transitions often bring difficult times for unprepared teams. Truly wise leaders prepare a succession plan that protects their team should something accidental or intentional i.e. retirement happen to change the makeup of team leadership. The following truths about your team will help you plan for transitional change:

• Change makes people feel insecure. Leaders must look ahead and prepare their team for transitional changes that do not have a specific date on them.
• A team can live without certainty but they cannot succeed without clarity regarding future direction.
• Wise choices today give a team confidence concerning a leader’s choices and recommendations for the future.
• Teams that have participation in the transition process have confidence in the process.
• Effective communication keeps a team from believing every rumor from other sources.
• Keeping your word today earns a leader trust and credibility concerning the future.

If you were not available to lead your team tomorrow and in the days to come for any reason, would your team continue to perform at a high level or would there be conflict at the top?