Power Play 07: The Exit Is the Entry
- Edward Graves
- May 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 26
POWER. PERFORMANCE. POLITICS.
Power Play 07: The Exit Is the Entry
Law 29: Plan All the Way to the End
Metaphorical Truth: If you didn’t plan your way out, you were never really in.
Opening Story: The Illusion of Control
In sports, business, and leadership, starting strong is celebrated. But true power lies not in the initiation—it’s in the exit strategy.
Too often, leaders, coaches, and athletes focus solely on the immediate: the next game, the next season, the next deal. They neglect to plan for the end, leaving their legacy to chance.
Without a clear endgame, you’re not leading—you’re reacting.
In the Boardroom – Executive Insight
The Problem:
Executives often get caught in the cycle of short-term wins, neglecting to map out their long-term vision and exit strategy. This oversight can lead to a loss of control over their narrative and legacy.
From Experience:
I once took on a role with the intention of making impactful changes. I focused on immediate results, believing that success would naturally lead to a graceful exit. When the time came to move on, I realized I hadn’t planned for it. The transition was chaotic, and the legacy I hoped to leave was muddled.
The Strategy:
Define your endgame from the start. Understand what success looks like, not just in metrics but in legacy. Communicate this vision clearly to stakeholders.
The Power Play:
Control your narrative by planning your exit. When you dictate the terms of your departure, you solidify your legacy on your own terms.
In the Office – Athletic Directors
The Problem:
Athletic Directors are under constant pressure to deliver immediate results—winning seasons, increased revenue, enhanced facilities. This focus can overshadow the importance of succession planning and long-term program sustainability.
Case Study – Jim Smith at Maryland:
Jim Smith, newly appointed Athletic Director at the University of Maryland, emphasized transformative goals like boosting fan engagement and revenue. However, he withheld specific strategies, highlighting a collaborative and adaptive approach. This lack of detailed planning raises questions about the long-term vision and sustainability of the program.
The Strategy:
Develop a comprehensive roadmap that includes succession planning, infrastructure development, and cultural sustainability. Engage stakeholders in this vision to ensure continuity.
The Power Play:
A well-planned exit ensures the program thrives beyond your tenure, cementing your impact and preserving your legacy.
On the Sideline – Coaches
The Problem:
Coaches often focus on the immediate—winning the next game, securing the next recruit—without considering the long-term implications of their decisions on their career trajectory.
Case Study – Urban Meyer at Jacksonville Jaguars:
Urban Meyer’s tenure with the Jaguars was marked by controversy and a lack of clear direction. His abrupt and unplanned exit not only tarnished his reputation but also left the organization in disarray.
The Strategy:
Establish a clear coaching philosophy and long-term plan from the outset. Communicate this vision to your team and leadership to align expectations.
The Power Play:
By planning your coaching journey with the end in mind, you maintain control over your career and ensure your legacy is defined by purpose, not circumstance.
On the Field – Athletes
The Problem:
Athletes often ride the wave of their current success without considering life after sports. This lack of foresight can lead to financial instability and identity crises post-retirement.
Case Study – Ja Morant:
Ja Morant’s off-court controversies highlighted the importance of personal brand management and long-term planning. His actions led to suspensions and damaged his reputation, affecting his career trajectory.
The Strategy:
Invest in financial literacy, personal development, and brand management early in your career. Plan for life after sports to ensure a smooth transition.
The Power Play:
Your athletic career is finite. Planning for the end ensures you continue to thrive beyond the game.
For Those Who Move Different
In spaces where the margin for error is slim, and the spotlight is unforgiving, planning your exit isn’t just strategic—it’s essential.
We often focus on breaking barriers and achieving firsts, but true empowerment comes from controlling the narrative from start to finish.
Define your legacy. Plan your exit. Own your story.
Call to Reflection
Have you outlined your endgame, or are you leaving it to chance?
What steps are you taking today to ensure a legacy that aligns with your values?
Who will tell your story if you don’t plan to tell it yourself?
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