I was asked to coach the executive team of a newly merged company formed from three former competitors. One senior leader, a seasoned executive in his early 60s, had expected to become CEO — but the board appointed a younger leader from outside. His motivation was almost gone.
In small talk he mentioned he'd played bass in a band weekly since his student days. I applauded him for keeping his passion alive. Then he admitted he was working productively maybe 20% of the time, with a few years left to retirement — was it even worth it?
Some songs fade out, getting quieter and quieter. Others end on a fanfare. How do you want to end your career — fade out, or fanfare?
Something clicked. Two weeks later the new CEO called: "What did you do to him?" He had congratulated her, pledged to support her and take weight off her shoulders. That was the fanfare.
Takeaways: the power of metaphor; choose your ending (fade or finish strong); and support creates legacy — backing the younger leader didn't cost him status, it earned him respect.
