Framework
Succession Trap Diagnostic
TL;DR
Diagnostic tool to determine if you're stuck in a Succession Trap - where your current success creates conditions that prevent future adaptation.
Diagnostic tool to determine if you're stuck in a Succession Trap - where your current success creates conditions that prevent future adaptation.
When to Use Succession Trap Diagnostic
When experiencing strategic confusion, declining competitiveness, or difficulty adapting to market changes despite resources and effort.
How to Apply
1
Check Warning Signs
Assess the five warning signs of succession trap.
Questions to Ask
- Are your best people leaving? (Top performers sense misalignment)
- Do you keep reorganizing every 18-24 months?
- Are your metrics in conflict? (Demanding both growth AND profit)
- Are competitors with 'worse' products winning?
- Does your culture resist obvious changes?
2
Diagnose Root Cause
Determine if you're trapped by climax optimization (like Blockbuster) or oscillating between stages (like Yahoo).
Questions to Ask
- Are you optimized for a previous market stage?
- Have you changed strategy multiple times in past 5 years?
- Is your market resetting to pioneer while you're optimized for climax?
3
Plan Escape
Choose escape strategy: diagnose actual market stage, accept strategy discontinuity, create separate entities, commit for 3-5 years, or change leadership.
Outputs
- Clear diagnosis of actual vs. desired stage
- Commitment to stage-appropriate strategy
- Timeline for transition (3-5 years minimum)