I recently wrote an article about Generation Z and the commitment I see in many young people. Today I’m going to talk about what I’ve observed and learned from older people in the process of succession and the emotional complexity involved in getting older and “passing the baton”. There is pain, joy and immense courage involved in this transition,
The contradictory emotions of succession
I accompany people over 70 who carry a vibrant energy, a genuine desire to make things happen and who continue to make an active contribution to the organizations where they work. They are men and women who have spent decades shaping organizations, leading projects and inspiring teams. Until the moment comes when they realize it’s time to make room for another generation. Not the young people who are just starting out, but those who are in their 40s or 50s – a generation that has already acquired enough experience and maturity to take on major responsibilities.
I witness the emotion of men and women who, even though they are ready to step back, feel the pain of having to stop contributing as actively as they would like. I recently took part as a board member in an event aimed at presidents and board members of business associations and one scene struck me deeply: the speaker took to the stage celebrating that he had finally succeeded in taking over his company. He shared with the audience the difficulty, the internal resistance and the emotional challenges he faced during the process, but he also made it clear how important it was – for him, for his organization and for the continuity of the work he loved so much. It was a moment of collective learning, punctuated by a mixture of celebration and nostalgia.
The emotional weight of succession also reminds me of a panel on leadership trends in which I had the opportunity to participate. The mediator, visibly over 70, led the discussion with unique mastery. With provocative questions, he took the panelists out of the commonplace, challenging them to deepen their reflections and go beyond the obvious answers. His authority came not just from his age, but from his accumulated wisdom and the certainty that people need both encouragement and space to make a difference with the knowledge they possess. At the end, after significantly raising the level of the debate, he closed by acknowledging each speaker individually, enriching the moment with generosity and respect. This episode remained a vivid reminder of how experience and leadership can enlighten and inspire, even in contexts of transition.
The importance of empathy and respect
The succession process is not just technical; it requires a deep level of empathy and respect on both sides. For those taking over, it is essential to recognize the value and legacy of those who are leaving. It’s not just about occupying a position; it’s about valuing a lifetime’s work and continuing to build on solid foundations.
For those leaving a job, every decision is accompanied by conflicting feelings: pride in the work done, but also the fear of being forgotten or losing relevance. These emotions need to be welcomed, not ignored. Respect for these life stories is essential for a healthy transition.
A new way of leading
What I’ve learned, both in practice and from observing great leaders and their transitions, is that leadership never retires completely. It just changes. Even if the day-to-day demands a step back or a change of role, there are still many ways to contribute. Advice, mentoring and strategic support are just a few examples of how the experience accumulated over decades can continue to positively impact organizations and society.
On the other hand, the new generation taking up the baton needs to be prepared to listen and learn from those who came before. Leadership is not a solitary act. It is a dialog between generations, between experiences and perspectives.
Celebrating transitions
In the end, what moves me most about witnessing these processes of aging and succession is the beauty of the cycle that is being completed. The pain of leaving is mixed with the joy of sharing learning and celebrating life. It’s a continuous exchange that requires courage and generosity from everyone involved.
May we continue to celebrate these transitions with sensitivity, respecting the history of those who paved the way and enthusiastically welcoming those who are ready to take their own steps. After all, leadership is a living legacy that only grows when shared.
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