The Leader's Legacy by David McKenna
“A leader builds upon the past, gives momentum to the
present, and leaves promise of greater things to come.”
David L. McKenna is an excellent source of profound
leadership. He served 33 years as a president at three different Christian
colleges, thus his wisdom is pretty much unparalleled. In the The Leader’s Legacy, McKenna addresses
the difficulties of leadership transitions.
Changes in leadership are nearly always trigger problems. These
problems can come from anywhere, but they are naturally very turbulent. The new
leader may bring a new style, a novel vision, or an updated mission. On the
other hand, the outgoing leader may leave unprepared employees, budgetary
missteps, and a narrative of distrust.
McKenna gives us simple thoughts about a leader’s exit. He employs
the story of John the Baptist as a leader in transition. John the Baptist had
every opportunity to amplify his message, boost his followers, and spread his
fame, but he knew his purpose and the great importance of exiting.
It is amazing to see how a leader’s departure can have such
a major effect on his or her legacy. In some ways, it can be said that an
entire legacy can be tarnished simply by how a leader steps down.
This is a great book. I will probably be more applicable to
me when I finally reach that age where I must step down as a leader.
