Faith & Family Business

Does age matter in succession planning? (2 Samuel 5:3-4)

Welcome to my third Faith and Family Business series, focusing on the Biblical King David. David’s story explores a full range of emotions and experiences in life, offering insights about ourselves and others in work and family. My hope is that your own faith, family, and understanding of your family business will be enriched by considering David's story.

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After King Saul died, David controlled Judah, the southern region of Israel. A battle ensues between David’s house and Saul’s house for control of all of Israel. David eventually prevails.

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. (2 Sam. 5:3-4)

David is just 30 years old when becomes king. It seems like he’s older, in part, because of all the experiences he’s had. He’s been a shepherd, he’s killed the giant Goliath and had multiple battles with the Philistines, he’s been married, he’s been counsel to King Saul, he’s been chased out of the country by that same king, he’s lived among the Philistines, and he’s become king of Judah. David has been around the block!

Succession in the family business can challenge our assumptions about age and leadership. In our mind’s eye, we often see an “old person” handing the reins to next generation. But the younger generation is often ready to grab hold far sooner than the older generation is ready to let go. In fact, we can miss opportunities to grow or strengthen the business when we focus too narrowly on age as the key criterion for succession. The next generation may already have the temperament, adaptability, and experience to lead us.

Have you witnessed a family business transition that you thought didn't happen at the right time? What experiences are important for the next generation to have before they take control?