So this is the time of the year when founders step down. Often quietly. Folks recover a bit from the end-of-year push, reflect, and sometimes … decide it’s time to bring in someone new. A CEO to take things to the next level. Etc. And even more of us think about it. Heck, I’ve thought about it several times over the years.
I always try to talk founders out it handing over the reigns. I always try to tell them that 95 times out of 100, a better answer is to find a strong COO or similar to help carry the load. You know so much, after all.
But sometimes, it’s just time.
When it is, then I just have one more bit of advice — You May Be Asked Back. They often shake their head No, but trust me.
Some recent-ish examples of founders coming back as CEO:
There are many others. CEOs will come and go. But as a founder — you are a founder forever. That title, that knowledge, that passion, and that connection can’t be taken away.And the team may need you again.
So if you do step down, be appreciative, be supportive, and get out of the way. Let the new one do things their way. Don’t lord over things, or even, stay too involved.
But remember. They may need you again.