The Leader's Legacy [Paperback]

David L. McKenna (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 2006

"Succession begins before we assume a position of leadership, not when we get ready to leave it," writes David McKenna. Instead of focusing narrowly on how a leader can maximize his or her role, McKenna illuminates a leader's place within the grand scope of an organization's history and mission. "A leader," McKenna informs, "builds upon the past, gives momentum to the present, and leaves the promise of greater things to come." To illustrate this "Succession Principle," McKenna points to "The Greatest Succession Story Ever Told"-that of John the Baptist preparing the way and then stepping aside for Jesus. Artfully weaving together the example of John the Baptist and wisdom gleaned from his own 50 years as pastor, educator, and executive in higher education, McKenna lays out 12 succinct rules of succession, guiding both new and experienced leaders from topics such as: building upon your organization's history and contributing to its ongoing story, perceiving the signals that tell when it's time to step aside, transferring loyalty from yourself to your successor, managing your emotions during your transition, rejoicing in a job well done and celebrating your successor, letting history be your judge. McKenna shows us how to be servant-leaders who prepare the way for greater things.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David L. McKenna served for 33 consecutive years as president of Spring Arbor University, Seattle Pacific University, and Asbury Theological Seminary. In a consulting role he continues to use his lifelong study of leadership principles. Becoming Nehemiah: Leading with Significance and Never Blink in a Hailstorm and Other Lessons on Leadership are recent titles among the many books he has written. He and his wife, Janet, live in Kirkland, Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Barclay Press (July 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594980071
• ISBN-13: 978-1594980077
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,360,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Successions Begin Now, January 19, 2009

By 

John W. Pearson "John Pearson Associates" (San Clemente, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Leader's Legacy (Paperback)

I've never spent much time worrying about my own legacy and have urged other CEOs and leaders to focus instead on faithfulness and fruitfulness--and then let the legacies take care of themselves. Yet everyone leaves a legacy. As I write this (on this historic day), President Bush exits and President Obama enters. Pundits will talk endlessly now about legacies. We should pray for both leaders.

This week's book on the leader's legacy reminds us that "succession begins before we assume a position of leadership, not when we get ready to leave it." Author David L. McKenna speaks from the trenches--33 years as president of three educational institutions. I enthusiastically recommend his book on the "succession cycle" to leaders young and old. He's wise. He's amazingly transparent (including laugh-out-loud stories on himself). He speaks with authority.

When is it time to leave? How do you bless your successor? When do you announce your exit--and what are the pitfalls in making your exit? McKenna has a memorable story for almost every key point of the succession cycle. He's widely read--and the books he references will tempt you to dig deeper.

He quotes President Harry Truman who reportedly said, "If I ever get the idea that the band is playing `Hail to the Chief' for me rather than for the Office of the President, we are all in trouble." McKenna sets a high standard for humble leaders in office and even more so after they leave. (When revisiting Seattle Pacific University, where he served as president, he introduced himself to the receptionist of McKenna Hall, named after him. "How do you spell the name?" the receptionist asked him!)

He quotes Jeffrey Sonnenfeld's book, The Hero's Farewell: What Happens When CEOs Retire, and describes four kinds of exiting leaders: Monarch, General, Ambassador and Governor. It's worth thinking about your exit style from day one. He has an excellent chapter on corporate lifecycles and the kinds of leaders best suited for each cycle. He also includes Peter Drucker's insightful questions for leaders: 1) What needs to be done? 2) Can I do it? and 3) Do I want to do it? (It's often all about passion.)

5.0 out of 5 stars Leaving a Legacy that Matters, September 11, 2006

By 

"Dr. G", Ph.D. "Leadership Professor" (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Leader's Legacy (Paperback)

David McKenna has done it again! This prolific author in the field of leadership theory and application pulls together career-shaping insights on legacy from his senior leadership experiences. His own journey of signicance as well as success enriches the principles he presents so effectively. Utilizing 12 rules of succession, he gives the reader a wealth of teaching based on both theory as well as practical experience. Leaders just beginning their journey, as well as those preparing for the "final transition" into retirement, will find key insights for their professional, personal and spiritual journey. His wit, wisdom, clarity and conviction inspires and guides each of us committed to finishing well.