Even the most well-planned succession can leave organizations feeling uncertain. Any change — even for the better — is difficult because it entails loss. The best organizations embrace this uncertainty, welcoming the opportunity for change.   

A CEO transition not only provides an organization with a unique opportunity to take stock and do a strategic refresh, but is a perfect opportunity to have a courageous conversation about the very existence of the nonprofit. The board should be willing to address the following questions:

• What is the organization’s raison d’etre? 
• Does the organization have the sufficient scale to maximize impact?
• Could the work be better fulfilled if programs were “gifted” to another nonprofit? 

Learn more in the CEO Search Committee Guide.