Business Quote by Peter Drucker
“The final test of greatness in a CEO is how well he chooses a successor and whether he can step aside and let the successor run the company.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Effective Executive, Peter Drucker, 1966
A CEO’s greatness is measured by his ability to choose a worthy successor and relinquish control.
In simple terms: Leadership is judged by succession planning and humility.
Key Takeaway
Choose wisely and step aside.
Themes
leadership
succession
humility
legacy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- executive transition
- family business
- startup scaling
- nonprofit leadership
Key Concepts
strategic planning
organizational psychology
power transition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify a successor’s potential?
- What rituals help you let go?
A Different Perspective
Successors may lack vision, causing decline.
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![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)