An Example of Courageous Succession
I love football and unlike most Americans, I mean soccer. AND, like any obsessive fan of European football—I've seen countless managerial changes. My squad, Manchester United, being one of the worst offenders since the great Sir Alex Ferguson left. It’s been one mess after the other as the carousel of leadership spins out of control, leaving a once proud club fumbling mid-table or worse. As a business coach and consultant, I’ve also witnessed firsthand how leadership transitions, both good and bad, play out in the business world. That's why Emma Hayes's departure from Chelsea’s women’s team hit differently. She didn't just walk away; she set her successor up for undeniable success. This wasn't some slow fade or an abrupt disappearance. Hayes left the place meticulously organized, fully stocked, and with a heartfelt note. Then, she stood by, cheering on the new leader. This kind of transition is courageous and rare.
Beyond the Usual Exit
Most leaders cling on too long or vanish entirely, leaving their successor to fumble. In my consulting work, I’ve seen far too many business leaders who don’t leave well, effectively leaving their company in the lurch. Not Hayes. She had every right to bask in her legacy, having built Chelsea into a dominant force with 16 trophies in 12 years. She left at the peak of her career, taking on a high-profile role with the U.S. Women’s National Team right before the Olympics. It would have been easy to focus solely on her next chapter. But that's not how she operates, demonstrating a profound sense of responsibility for the organization she built.
Investing in the Future
Instead, Hayes ensured Chelsea's future was secure. Her successor, Sonia Bompastor, didn’t just inherit a well-run club; she inherited a relationship. Hayes still texts congratulations, offers encouragement, celebrates milestones, and checks in – not to critique, but to affirm. When Bompastor’s arrival was announced, Hayes publicly wished her luck and truly meant it. As Bompastor herself noted, "She’s still supporting her club because she left the club in such a great place for me to build on the legacy." This is a testament to Hayes's courageous commitment to the team's continued success. This in the midst of Hayes’ own undertaking as the new boss of the United States Women’s National team.
True Leadership and Lasting Impact
The pressure on Bompastor could have been immense, but she thrived, leading Chelsea to a domestic treble and breaking Hayes’s own record for consecutive wins. Yet, there’s no rivalry or resentment from Hayes. She simply stated, "I know I couldn’t have given any more. It’s only right for the players to have a different direction." This security is the mark of a leader who builds something designed to work without them. True impact isn't about being irreplaceable; it’s about recognizing the responsibility of laying a foundation that lasts.
This form of leadership is rare and powerful. It demands humility to step back, confidence in your contributions, and the generosity to want the next person to succeed—even if they surpass your own achievements. This is where real responsibility pays off: when your influence is evident in the foundation, not just the fleeting headlines. It's about walking away with integrity, knowing what you built will endure.
So, let's ask ourselves:
* Are you building something that crumbles the moment you leave the room, or something that gains strength in your absence?
* Will your successor genuinely say you left things better than you found them?
* Can you courageously root for the next chapter, even if you’re not a part of it?
Some leaders leave a mark. The best ones leave behind unstoppable momentum, fulfilling their responsibility to the future.
