The Succession Principle [Hardcover]

Succession is the hot topic in leadership development, but the subject has rarely been addressed in Christian literature. As a college, university, and seminary president who experienced three successions in leadership, David McKenna is eminently qualified to speak on the subject. He begins by introducing us to the Succession Principle: What we bring to leadership is important. What we do in leadership is more important. What we leave from our leadership is most important of all. Once our priority shifts from success to succession, the door is open to read John 17 as the Prayer of Succession for Jesus. In this final report, Jesus transfers to his disciples and to us the same enduring trust, transforming truth, and unifying love that he has received for leadership from his Father. With these legacies come specific gifts of succession to complete our task, develop disciples, advance the kingdom, and see the fulfillment of Christ's promise, Greater things than these shall you do. Succession in the spirit of Christ, then, is written not in terms of success, but in the seamless transition of sustainable gifts culminating in the gift of greater things. He's done it again. David McKenna has penned yet another compelling work that leaders of every stripe need to read and re-read. For all who wish to seal the investment, effort, and influence of your leadership years against the tarnish and corrosion of a poorly-handled transition, this book is for you. --Jodi Detrick, former columnist, The Seattle Times, Seattle, WA McKenna does a masterful job of placing the concept of succession planning squarely where it belongs--as a priority for any leader and manager of an organization seeking to not only improve operations and performance but to sustain its mission. I know I would have benefited by having the tools and concepts articulated by McKenna at my fingertips as I entered various leadership roles. --Dan Martin, President, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA l.