Selecting New Leader

The process of the selection of the leader is a long journey as the organization top management has to make a decision, which is not easy. Usually, the most important decision maker is the current leader, but he or she usually listens to his close friends in the business. The current leaders always want the others members of the top management to accept the new leader and this acceptance of the leader cannot be reached within few days.

The selection of the new leader usually starts with the selection of the participants in the leadership development program. It does not guarantee anything as the new leader can evolve without any participation in the LDP and they should know about this risk. But, the participation will increase their price on the job market and they will definitely qualify for the participation.

The selection of the new leader should not be based on the only one candidate in the queue, the current leader should select the best of the potential candidates. The others usually leave the organization as they cannot live in one organization with the winning leader. This is the risk of the whole competition and it is healthy. The organization cannot save the others as everyone knows, they are “unsuccessful leaders”. This is not good for their start.

The selection of the new leader is a journey of many tests and the new leader is sent to many missions, which are carefully evaluated. The candidate for the new leader is given a proper and honest feedback by the current leader and he monitors the progress in the personal development of the leadership skills. The current leader is the main decision maker and when he is not satisfied, the chance to become a leader of the organization is close to zero and such a candidate should not be developed further more. The current leader makes a decision about giving second and third chance as many leaders are born from their own mistakes.

Human Resources cannot select the new leader, but it can support the current leader and the top management in the selection procedure of the new leader. The leadership development programs should be designed by Human Resources and HR Team should monitor the selection and preparation progress.