I read a retirement letter on LinkedIn last week from Larry Conrad and it was absolutely brilliant. I realized that rarely do executives write a letter like Larry did. As he announced his retirement from UC Berkeley as Associate Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, he also announced his successor, Jenn Stringer.
Why is this such an anomaly? On retirement, when you take another role, or when you are promoted... instead of announcing your departure, you also announce your successor. It really should not be that hard.
Because you planned for it.
Because you were thoughtful.
Because your company backs the ability to make decisions fast.
Because your company knows that a gap in leadership will impact your results.
Congratulations Jenn Stringer and best wishes for your retirement Larry Conrad.
Learn more about how to build a Succession Action Program in your company in my book Rapid Growth, Done Right: Lead, Influence, and Innovate for Success, Kogan Page.
Send me your best and worst goodbye letters! I promise not to share without your permission.
Dedicated to growing your business,
Val
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