AS I SEE IT
BY MARIANNE HERON
Knowing when to quit is a form of wisdom which seems to have escaped America’s President Joe Biden. It was sad to see a man who has stayed too long make a stumbling spectacle of himself in last month’s head- to- head with Donald Trump. Sad for the Democrats that their chances of a presidential win have been dealt a severe blow and very sad for anyone who doesn’t want to see Donald Trump become US President again.
“It is always too soon to quit,” quipped US ‘Power Of Positive Thinking’ author Norman Vincent Peale. Always too soon for some leaders, who feel invincible grasping the reins of power but not soon enough for the organisation.
“A good leader will be continually evaluating what leadership characteristics an organisation needs in order to deliver its purpose,” says Professor Andrew Burke, of Trinity Business School. “ The fit between an organisation’s needs and a leader’s character is strong when it operates in the leader’s personal zone of competency, values and motivation, inspiring trust amongst followers. Unfortunately, ill-health has pushed Biden out of this sweet spot. It’s also more fun being a leader when you can be your real self, doing things well that you value and enjoy. It must be so hard for Biden to struggle to deliver the performance of his younger self and then fails so badly in the process. “
Recently though, quitting as a personal choice has become a thing in Irish politics, sending shock waves through a system where TDs and ministers normally stay on until they are rejected by voters or reach pension point. First, Leo Varadkar stepped down as FG leader, followed by Eamon Ryan, relinquishing Green Party leadership now and his seat when the next election comes around .
The other vital part of the ‘when to go story’ should be about who comes next, for succession is critical both to the path of leadership and to organisations. The Democrats don’t seem able to come up with an answer to that one, for there is no obvious heir apparent waiting in the wings, so no wonder they are panicking when Biden’s future as a candidate is in doubt.
When it comes to being savvy about succession – and avoiding bruising battles or unsuitable candidates for leadership – look no further than canny Michael Martin whose move to appoint Jack Chambers (33), as the youngest Minister Finance since Michael Collins and deputy leader of Fianna Fail, it looks very much like lining up the next heir apparent. And why not?
If there is anything to be learned from farm succession planning advice you want to be on hand to give guidance to your successor so that the heir will fill your shoes adequately and keep the enterprise thriving. While it is up to the party to choose who they want, it is no harm to have a young lion groomed, ready and waiting.
Sinn Fein maybe have a thing to learn with Mary Lou McDonald’s leadership looking a bit time worn, especially after the local election results and various flip- flopping episodes. Who would follow her? But that decision may be taken by unelected shadowy backroom figures.
Not very democratic.
A young, energetic leader may bestow a bounce on party fortunes, look how Fine Gael has benefitted, from Simon Harris’ succession. Knowing when to quit and may give an extra bounce for quitters,with enough time and energy left to rebound and enjoy a new lease of life.
What of Biden’s fate? ”Leadership roles are created to serve the purpose of the organisation and not the other way around,” points out Professor Burke.” So, when the character of a leader starts to misalign with the needs of the organisation then it’s time to consider change. Too often self-interest, myopia, hubris, or narcissism causes leaders to stay on too long when they are no longer the best person for the role, at the cost of damaging their legacy. In this regard Biden stands at a fork in the road. If he thinks long-term, he will realise that historians will either summarise his legacy as a leader who voluntarily stepped down at the right time for the greater good or a career politician who prioritised short-term self-interest.
