Succession

About Succession

It's rare for leaders to prepare for the day that they will leave their role. In fact, just 17% of organizations have a documented succession plan. Yet, healthy successions are integral to healthy, long-lasting, and mission-driven organizations. Actively preparing for transition is the best way to ensure that the vitality of the mission lasts well beyond one leader's tenure.

In this book, Doug Fagerstrom—president and CEO of Marketplace Chaplains—and Peter outline the heart postures and practices that equip leaders to release or receive the mission. With compelling stories and practical steps, Succession guides leaders, board members, and staff in navigating this critical moment.

(Incredibly Generous) Endorsements

“There is no success without succession. Those two ‘s’ words sit nearly back to back in the dictionary, but sadly, they are often worlds apart in real life. The mission of an organization is never more vulnerable than during a transition in leadership. As much as a decade of focus, momentum, and direction can be lost in this season! And the difference between a successful succession and failure—a fumbled process—can mean life or death for the organization. Leaders and boards carry no greater responsibility than to shepherd well this passing of the baton. Peter and Doug have created an invaluable resource to help your ministry bring together ‘succession’ and ‘success.’” –Dr. Wess Stafford, president emeritus, Compassion International; author of Too Small to Ignore: Why Children Are the Next Big Thing and Just a Minute: In the Heart of a Child, One Moment Can Last Forever

“Doug and Peter join their expertise with a broad network of succession veterans. This book invites all of us into that network, and we learn valuable lessons in the stories of others.” –Leith Anderson president emeritus, National Association of Evangelicals; pastor emeritus, Wooddale Church

“I sure wish I had this when I was transitioning. This book would have been incredibly helpful for me as a leader and for my board during the transition!” –Dana Doll, program director, Micah 6:8 Foundation; co-founder, Treetops Collection

“As a professional athlete, we are encouraged to grasp and hold onto that title as long as we can get it. We are disincentivized to pass the baton and invest in our future replacements. But in Succession, Peter and Doug do a brilliant job of laying out biblical wisdom for investing in our organizations and successors. Just as Jesus did with his disciples, we are called to joyfully pour into the lives of our successors—shepherding, mentoring and intentionally working ourselves out of our job.” –Nick Hundley, former MLB catcher of 12 years; senior director of baseball operations for Major League Baseball

“This book does a terrific job of describing how we should ‘hold loosely’ to our leadership positions, always putting the needs of the mission and organization ahead of our own. If the guidance in this book is followed, CEO transition can be life giving to everyone impacted. Well done, Doug and Peter!” –David Weekley, chairman, David Weekley Homes

“In my career, I’ve led at a high level in both Fortune 100 companies and nonprofits. I have personally witnessed many successful successions but an even greater number of failed ones. Having succeeded three tenured CEOs, I highly recommend Succession as a tool for any board and executive leadership team navigating the succession planning process.” –Anthony Flynn, chief executive officer, WorkFaith Connection

“Peter and Doug team up to bring organizational leaders a 360-view of what’s required to execute an intentional and honoring succession plan. Divided into seven core practices, you’ll learn from the stories of those who did it well and others who struggled along the way. The practical action steps after each section bring clarity, provide all the right questions, and prompt deep personal reflection. Succession is highly relevant for all CEOs, board directors, incoming leaders, and staff. If that’s you, then this is one book you must read!” –Tami Heim, president & CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance

“Doug and Peter have given us an invaluable roadmap that will help the missions of our organizations live on long after we’ve passed the baton. I love that they’ve provided mission-driven, practical insights for the outgoing leader, incoming leader, board, and staff.” –Brian Mosley, president, RightNow Media

“Throughout my career, I’ve served on many nonprofit boards and witnessed several unhealthy successions. This book is a critical resource for boards and leaders to effectively prepare for a leadership transition. The seven practices outlined in Succession are valuable for both nonprofits and businesses, whether public or private. I highly recommend that all CEOs and board members read this book.” –Terry Looper, president and CEO, Texon LP

“This book should be at the top of every leader’s reading list!” –Dr. Andy Bunn, chief operating officer, Woman to Woman Pregnancy Resource Center

“‘The heart of a successful succession begins with a commitment that the mission matters most.’ Peter and Doug lay out the heart and practicalities of a gospel-centered succession that ensures the work of the gospel continues after the current leader transitions. This book will be instrumental for leaders and organizations that want to ensure health for all those involved with a transition. Personally, this has given me insight as we evaluate our next steps of stewarding the organizational visions God has entrusted to us. –Dr. Benjamin P. Thomas, co-founder and CEO, B2THEWORLD

“Succession is the inevitable destination for all leaders, and Peter and Doug have written an excellent book on how to navigate these choppy waters. Succession focuses first on the heart of the leader before moving to hands-on, practical steps that act as buoys in navigating this process with wisdom and clarity. This is a must read for every organizational leader that will one day face succession—that is, all of us.” –David Wills, president emeritus, National Christian Foundation