Leadership succession or replacement is an ever-growing challenge within the PRC movement. As Focus on the Family consults with hundreds of centers and clinics each year, a recurring question surrounds how boards can best manage a key leader’s transition with existing staff. It is an uncertain time for those who remain to carry on the work—how, what, and when the board communicates is key to managing this challenging time.

When the CEO or Executive Director of the ministry moves to another position, it is vital that the board convey stability and confidence to the remaining team members—especially primary management staff. A good leader has likely built loyalty among followers, and the void left by his/her departure can bring questions and a sense of uneasiness among those who remain.

An attentive board will ensure that uncertainty among those key individuals who continue is minimized through healthy communication. It would be tragic for the organization to lose additional positions unnecessarily during this time. Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, people tend to fill in their own blanks when there is an information void. Rarely does this bring about good results—for them personally or for the organization.

When the board of directors takes the initiative to communicate with the staff during and after a CEO's departure, they are doing more than simply providing information. They are investing in their greatest resource by listening to concerns, allaying fears, healing wounds, and dispelling inaccuracies. They are building trust that staff opinions are valid and that they are not being left out of the information flow or future decisions.

Of course, it is the board that will interview and ultimately hire the new CEO. However, it is the staff who will help the new leader succeed—or fail. He or she NEEDS the support and commitment of the team. When the board sets an example of a trust culture and open and honest communication, the entire ministry grows, becomes more effective, and is blessed.

Kim Conroy
Director, Sanctity of Human Life
Focus on the Family