How Do I Escape the Specter of My Predecessor?

The past year saw one of the highest rates of executive turnover in decades. Few new leaders start with a blank slate. You are wise to focus on how comparing yourself with your predecessor is affecting your confidence, rather than trying to win a popularity contest against a ghost. Consider the context you’re in and how your challenges differ from what your predecessor faced. Is the organization in a turnaround, growth, or global expansion stage? What does it need now, and what do you bring that makes you a fit for the role? Think beyond attributes such as your great network or depth of expertise in a specific area and identify some particular talents the organization needs now that happen to be among your superpowers. Please reach out to me if you are in a new executive role and need a sounding board.