This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
November 27, 2019, marked a significant day in the conversation around timeless brands and succession planning. Wale Akinyemi, the chief transformation officer at PowerTalks, shed light on a crucial reason why many African companies struggle to transition to the next generation.
According to Akinyemi, the primary obstacle lies in the insecurity of the founders. These visionary leaders, often strong-willed and opinionated, can be some of the most insecure individuals alive. As a result, their businesses are built around their personalities, making them vulnerable to collapse when the founder is no longer in charge.
When the founder is sick, the company suffers. When the founder lacks creativity, the company loses its edge. And when the founder passes away, the company dies. This phenomenon is not limited to founders; it also affects organizations with a 'mediocrity sandwich' – where brilliant people are at the top and bottom, but mediocre thinkers are in the middle.
Akinyemi has observed this trait in numerous organizations across the continent, including some of the largest companies. He attributes this trend to the leadership's discomfort with people who can become threats to their power. This suppression prevents level two officers from making strategic decisions, hindering their ability to replace their bosses.
As a leader, Akinyemi emphasizes that one's identity should not be tied to their position or title. Instead, they should focus on training and raising their replacement. This requires confidence and security, which is often lacking in insecure leaders.
Unfortunately, this behavior has been perfected by political office holders and has now found its way into corporate leadership. Akinyemi notes that the same people who criticize leaders like Robert Mugabe engage in similar behavior in their own offices, all in an effort to preserve their positions.
However, Akinyemi stresses that succession planning is the highest point of leadership. To achieve greatness, leaders must raise people who can outshine them. This involves grooming individuals to take on leadership roles and giving them the power to make decisions. By doing so, leaders can ensure a smooth transition and leave a lasting legacy.
Ultimately, Akinyemi's message is clear: insecure brand founders poison their own successful creations by failing to empower and train their successors. By recognizing this pattern and taking steps to address it, leaders can ensure the long-term success of their organizations.
