Today's organizations are flexible and movable, have unpredictable future, and do not offer long-term career advancement as a reward for dedication to work, as was the case in traditional organizations. Leaders can no longer rely only on the organization when planning their own careers, but they need to manage their development themselves. Employees tend to see the leader as the personification of the organization, management system and leadership system. Negative attitude towards the leader provokes negative attitude to the job and the organization. It is therefore very important what person will be elected the leader, from the lowest to the highest levels. This paper analyzes the process of selection for leadership positions, emphasizes the role of an individual in his/her career planning and development, highlights the characteristics and qualities of a successful leader, and points out the importance of the election of a successor.