What category does Succession Planning belong to?

Succession Planning belongs to the "Concepts" category in personal knowledge management and productivity.

What are the key topics related to Succession Planning?

Key topics related to Succession Planning include: leadership, talent-management, planning, continuity, development.

Succession Planning

Q: What are alternative names for Succession Planning?

Succession Planning is also known as: Leadership succession, Talent pipeline, Replacement planning.

Systematic preparation for leadership transitions to ensure organizational continuity.

Also known as: Leadership succession, Talent pipeline, Replacement planning

Category: Concepts

Tags: leadership, talent-management, planning, continuity, development

Explanation

Succession planning is the deliberate process of identifying and developing people who can fill key roles when current leaders depart. Effective succession planning: identifies critical positions, assesses current talent, develops high-potential individuals, creates development opportunities, and ensures smooth transitions. This differs from replacement planning (simply naming backups) because it focuses on development and readiness, not just identification. Benefits include: reduced disruption from departures, better leader development, increased retention (people see paths forward), and organizational resilience. Challenges include: unpredictable timing, resistance from current leaders, and difficulty assessing potential versus performance. Best practices include: starting early, providing stretch assignments, creating exposure opportunities, and having honest conversations about development needs. For knowledge workers, understanding succession planning helps: recognize development opportunities, position for advancement, and contribute to team continuity.

Related Concepts

← Back to all concepts