Evolving Leadership: Hiring After a Key Departure

Replacing a long-time employee is a delicate process.  For some stakeholders, the bar has been set so high that no candidate could ever match the accomplishments of that employee.  For others, the frustrations of what has not happened under that employee's watch will catalyze a desire for a complete pendulum swing.  The key is to allow plenty of time for conversation and reflection on the past before bringing in candidates too quickly.  Both sides need to hear each other and understand alternate perspectives.  Externally led assessments and facilitated dialogues can be especially fruitful for politically charged situations and ultimately catalyze consensus, or at least a shared set of goals.