Succession Lessons from David and Absalom

The last few weeks I’ve reflected on the “dark side” of succession. I wrote about the way in which David brought his son, Absalom, home to Jerusalem; the image of Absalom, including his attempts to get attention by burning the field of Joab, David’s nephew and key general; and Absalom’s political strategy to take his father’s position as king.

The rest of the story (the short version), is that Absalom chases his father out of Jerusalem. Absalom then attempts to pursue David to kill him, but David knows he’s coming. In his pursuit, Absalom is killed by Joab.

Consider these three lessons about succession from the David-Absalom-Joab episode:

1. Communication is critical. King David brought Absalom home but didn’t speak to him for two years. Two years! Family businesses — where we expect family members to talk — can instead be islands of isolation. The result is that people make assumptions about where they stand with one another and what will happen with the business or assets. Communication is sometimes hard but always necessary.

2. Character counts. Absalom killed his brother for raping their sister. People loved his handsome appearance and his beautiful family. He burned Joab’s field in order to get an audience. He played to the people to consolidate support and power, and then planned to kill David. All along the way we see behavior, we are given clues, about a person’s character. Pay attention!

3. Transitions are multi-party affairs. In this case, the attempted transition by Absalom involves David and David’s nephew Joab, whom we have also met as a counselor, key general, and go-between. And, Absalom’s failed pursuit of David was encouraged by other advisors still loyal to David. Succession is not only about the leader and the successor; there are other stakeholders — family members, employees, advisors, and others — who affect the process.

What lessons have you learned about succession by watching your family or other family businesses? How will you apply those lessons to your forthcoming transitions?