Leadership Succession Articles is a comprehensive guide designed to help New Zealand SME owners transition from hands-on operators to strategic leaders or prepare for a full business exit. It addresses the common issue of “owner bottleneck,” where the business is overly dependent on the founder for decision-making and day-to-day operations.
The guide outlines a step-by-step approach to building a strong leadership team and creating systems that enable the business to function independently. Key focus areas include identifying and developing leadership talent, aligning leadership roles with business vision, systemising operations, and reducing owner dependence gradually.
It also explores emotional and psychological challenges of letting go, offering strategies to ease the transition. The guide supports both owners who wish to step back while staying involved and those planning a full exit, highlighting the personal and financial benefits of a well-executed leadership succession plan.