As the saying goes, You’ve forgotten more than they even know. Here’s a checklist of items to help remind you of the knowledge and experience you have. Your successor deserves to know this as well.
As a general rule, overshare! What seems obvious to you may not be obvoius to them.
- Business Basics: Imparting comprehensive knowledge about the company’s operations, its history, successes, failures, and the dynamics of the industry. Share insights, lessons learned, and the wisdom acquired over years of navigating the business landscape.
- Developing Leadership Skills: It’s not just about passing on knowledge but also about nurturing leadership abilities. Provide opportunities for your successor to take on leadership roles gradually, allowing them to hone decision-making skills, manage teams, and understand the responsibilities that come with leadership.
- Exposure to Diverse Aspects of the Business: Ensure that your successor gains exposure to various facets of the business. This includes not only the operational aspects but also strategic planning, financial management, customer relations, and the significance of company culture in driving success.
- Networking and Relationship Building: Guide them in expanding their network within the industry. Relationships play a pivotal role in business; expose your successor to networking opportunities, industry events, and connections that could benefit the business in the long run.
- Company Culture and Values: Emphasize the importance of upholding the company’s culture and values. Help them understand how these values have contributed to the business’s success and why they are integral to its future.
- Long-term Vision and Strategy: Instill in your successor a vision for the future of the business. Discuss long-term strategies, market trends, and potential challenges, preparing them to navigate the evolving landscape.
This stuff should be shared. Agreed? Please visit How do I prepare my successor? to move from “I should share this.” to “I am sharing this.”
