Turnover,
retirement, and unexpected events can suddenly change the stability
and continuity of any work group. Although it is common to ask
the rhetorical question, “What would happen if Joe were hit
by a bus?” no one really expects it to happen as it did to
Ken Dillon. Few organizations adequately prepare for unanticipated
changes in their human assets. Instead, it is typical to focus
on current problems or routine tasks.
Succession Planning is about preparing for the unexpected in order
to ensure organizational stability and success. Each person in
the organization is likely to be replaced at some point in time,
either through promotions or exodus. Adequate preparation for
those certain open positions ensures that sufficient talent will
be available. At the same time, the activities that prepare people
for larger roles can give them career development and professional
growth. Most of all, succession planning can be motivating and
help people to see a future in the organization that is based
on performance.
Dr. Lansford’s unique approach achieves a different result
with a practical, useful solution. To avoid having the Succession
Plan become an administrative exercise that merely produces a
document to sit on the shelf, a participative approach affords
an action plan for the individuals involved to produce better
results. The tactic is to assess current leadership and success
factors, to identify high potentials, and outline a method of
development for future needs. A superior plan is developed using
reliable methods of assessment, semi-structured interviews, and
content analysis with the exact tools and process designed for
the specific situation. The size and complexity of the organization
dictate the need for and dependence on adequate computer software
to support and keep the plan current.
The most important aspect of the Succession Plan is that it is
a timely identification of the essential elements of leadership
and expertise in the organization and that it becomes an instrument
for increasing individual organizational results and ensuring
future success.
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