Similar to x-rays, executive over-exposure can kill you.
Some executives know how to limit their time under the guy while others simply bask in the problems. Blame it on incompetent corporate communications, over-whelming personal ambitions, miss-trust of those around you or money, eventually the traffic in the rear view mirror becomes such a distraction, you simply can’t drive forward.
When is it time to step down? When an executive is so over-exposed, their sheer presence fails to project the confidence needed to impact the organization any longer.
Sadly however, beyond the satisfaction of “got ya” by those not supported, it hurts the organization for the simple reason it most likely took him/her so dam long to get there in the first place.
But real talent knows when its time to step aside and let others carry on. Bill Ford comes to mind as a leader whose vision is indeed ahead of whatever title he holds. Having stepped aside as President / CEO, Mr. Ford is much more effective implementing strategies that go way beyond a daily sales pace.
Finally the reward for stepping down becomes personal, the hope that younger executives you created along the way learn something from your courage and isn’t that what leadership is all about on the upper floors.
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