Throughout the next few months, we plan to introduce a series of thought-provoking transition case studies designed to foster conversation and critical thinking. We welcome your comments and feedback below!

Next Generation Leadership: Whose Decision Is It?
Pat and Jody are siblings, age 34 and 33, in their family business.  Both have Ivy League MBAs and entered the business at approximately the same time.  They are both capable leaders and have achieved significant success in their own divisions of the company.  Their styles are different, however.  Where Pat is more introverted, a planner, and strong on detail and follow through, Jody is more extroverted and creative with high interpersonal skills.

Though they traveled in different circles, they have always been fairly competitive with one another.  Their dad who is president and founder of the company wants to address succession issues.  The future ownership is clear to him.  Ultimately the siblings will each own 50% of the common stock.  When it comes to leadership succession, every so often Dad mentions the notion of co-leadership, but he wants his children to decide between themselves.  And they want Dad to decide…

What Would You Do?
Should Dad take initiative and draw a clear succession plan? Or should the children decide amongst themselves as Dad would like them to? How would you handle this issue?

Share with us in the comments today! We will post a follow-up to this case study in the coming weeks.

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