# The Blind Spot of Leaders: Knowing When to Leave Lessons from Ginsburg and Biden on leadership timing - **Source:** [Fortune](https://fortune.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-19 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/87a2ed00-713a-4204-9368-3b53943d38b2 ## The Timing Problem in Leadership Deciding when to step down is crucial for the future of institutions. This decision reveals a leader's judgment and commitment to the organization. However, some leaders miss the right timing, potentially weakening their institutions. ## Ginsburg's Judicial Legacy Ruth Bader Ginsburg worked tirelessly to build a legacy of equality in law. However, her decision to stay despite health issues led to her replacement by Trump's Amy Coney Barrett, jeopardizing the legacy she sought to protect. ## Biden's Political Decision Joe Biden saw himself as uniquely positioned to defeat Donald Trump again. However, the collapse of his candidacy narrowed his party's options. Biden failed to respond to visible realities. ## The Indispensability Delusion Leaders may refuse to step down, believing their institutions cannot function without them. This delusion places personal interests above the organization's, endangering its future. ## Historical Parallels Leaders like Woodrow Wilson and Winston Churchill chose to remain in power despite health issues, negatively impacting their institutions' futures. Early initiation of the departure process is vital for institutions. ## The Process of Leadership Transition Leadership transition is not a single act at the end but a process that must start early. Delaying this process can put institutions at risk, as successors need time to be nurtured and prepared. ## Conflict of Interest in Leadership Leaders must prioritize their institutions' interests over personal gains. However, some leaders view the transition process as a threat, compromising their organizations' futures. ## Selecting a Successor Leaders must consider their institutions' futures when selecting successors. Successor selection is critical for organizational continuity, and delaying this process can create challenges. ## Consequences of Timing Errors in Leadership Leaders' failure to know when to step down endangers their institutions' futures. This situation raises questions about their judgment and commitment. Leaders must initiate the transition process early to avoid such mistakes. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/07/19/indispensability-delusion-ginsburg-biden-washington-succession/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._