When Derrick Learned He Was Irrelevant, It Destroyed Him

Like a brutal punch to the face, Derrick had come to the crushing realization that he had become irrelevant.

When Derrick called me, I could hear the devastation in his voice.

After 40 years of leadership in his company, he had just submitted his resignation.

The trigger? A team meeting where he realized he no longer understood the language his team was speaking. The business model that had been second nature to him now seemed foreign.

Like a brutal punch to the face, he had come to the crushing realization that he had become irrelevant.

Derrick learned he was irrelevant

This story reflects what I discuss in “Succession Planning for Impact” - the danger of isolation in leadership.

Isolated, Derrick had gradually disconnected from the evolving business landscape. He had been stuck for years.

He just didn’t know it.

The Trap of Isolation

When you’re busy “working IN the business,” you often don’t make the time to work ON the business.

Many leaders build businesses that become worthless without them - not because they’re indispensable, but because they’ve failed to evolve with the times.

The Power of Mastermind Groups

What could Derrick have done differently? One powerful solution is joining a mastermind group.

Here’s why:

1. Fresh Perspectives

   Masterminds provide regular exposure to diverse viewpoints from other business leaders. When you’re surrounded by peers facing similar challenges, you’re less likely to fall behind on industry trends and changes.

2. Trusted Conversations 

   It all starts with conversations. Masterminds provide a safe space where leaders can openly discuss their fears and challenges before they become crises.

3. Accountability and Growth 

   Regular interaction with peers who can speak truth to the founder/CEO about succession planning helps prevent the gradual slide into irrelevance.

4. Continuous Learning 

   Through mastermind discussions, leaders stay current with new business models, technology, and management approaches.

The Warning Signs

How do you know if you’re at risk of becoming irrelevant?

• You find yourself confused by new terminology in your industry

• Team meetings leave you feeling disconnected

• You’re resistant to new ways of doing business

• You’re not actively learning from younger team members

• You’re making decisions in isolation

The Path Forward

Remember, working only to make money will leave you exhausted, burned out, and angry. However, working to leave a legacy will leave you energized, thankful, and fulfilled.

For leaders like Derrick, the key is to:

1. Acknowledge the reality of change

2. Join a mastermind group before crisis hits

3. Engage in regular strategic conversations with diverse team members

4. Create systems for continuous learning and adaptation

5. Build a team that can help bridge generational and technological gaps

The Legacy Question To Ask Yourself: 

Are you building a business that will be relevant only as long as you are, or are you creating something that can evolve and grow beyond you?

Build a legacy, your future self will thank you!

Harry T. Jones

P.S. Remember: There is no success without a successor, and there is no lasting legacy without staying relevant. Don’t wait for your own “Derrick moment” to realize you’ve fallen behind. Take action now to stay connected, current, and impactful in your leadership role. Email me at HarryT@cultivatingimpact.biz and let's have a conversation!