But “mess” may be in the eye of the beholder. Perspective is key.

Every leader—whether wildly or mildly successful—can’t get to everything because things change and new challenges emerge every day. The job is never finished and then leaders move on for good and not-so-good reasons.

When the new leader takes over, she/he is likely to hear quickly from people who will passionately advocate for “their” problem to be solved. It doesn’t mean the former leader didn’t do well. It just means she/he didn’t finish, because the job is never finished. The new leader gets to discern just how deep this first problem is, or if it’s a real problem at all.

The new leader should thoughtfully listen, communicate—find and stay the course—and not jump on every problem, big or small. Steady, measured, thoughtful, people-focused planning and action will lead the new leader to success. #leadership #success #change #people