As leaders we are often told to 'pass the torch' to the next generation. I don't think I'm going to do that. However, I do want to empower and make way for new leadership
How?
In the Bible there's a story about John, who came ahead of Jesus Christ to announce His coming. When Jesus had come and was rising in His popularity, people asked John if they should now go follow Jesus. John said YES, because he knew Jesus was to increase in importance. John knew he was to concurrently decrease in focus and importance.
Be like John.
How?
Many factors influence (even drive) my focus to think and plan for the 'passing the torch' phase of life and career. My own ageing, the organizational/societal need for constant leadership development, the negative reality of ageism, and for me as a white male, the need to make space for others. It is time to seek out and empower the next generation of leadership. I should decrease and they should increase.
How?
I like what Gloria Steinhem said in 2018 at age 84: "I'm holding on to my torch. I'll let other people light theirs from mine."
That's how I'll do it. Keep my torch going and not give it up to another. Keep that flame alive by being active, continually learning and hopefully inspiring others to light their own torches from mine. Besides, my torch was uniquely mine, created by my historical context and through how I used and developed my personal gifts and skills to meet that context. THAT torch isn't useful for what's next. It won't carry the kind of light and heat the next generation needs for their context. So NO, I wont pass it on - for their sake. New leaders need their own torch, lighting the way for their unique personal, cultural and historical context.
I'm not going to pass the torch.
