Plants, planets and people. We all have cycles. Letting go, letting others and leaving is part of the life cycle of every leader's tenure and every job. Having well-developed exit strategies to preserve legacies, provide continuity and "grow" others is often neglected. But moving on is not a choice; it will (at some point) happen to all of us, and who/what comes "next, counts" (TM)!

As a thoughtful exercise, take yourself out of the "picture," and imagine your job/company/life without you. If you haven't taken steps to help shape the future you prefer, much of what you have worked for and come to love may be lost. Most succession strategies take at least a few years to implement. Today's a great day to start on/improve upon yours.