Is your organization succession ready?
How do you rate in these 6 key aspects of Talent Management?
- First and foremost you need to make sure your talent acquisition system is capable of hiring top talent. Not just the talent that is available when a position becomes available, but a recruiting system that can find those currently not looking for work but those with the skills and competencies that will continue to drive business results and who will be very interested in working for you and your company.
- A strong performance planning and assessment process that looks at the performance and potential of each individual relative to their peers is critical in understanding who is ready to take the next step. Exceptional performers with high potential need to be identified and given assignments or projects that will further build their capability so they can succeed at the next level when the opportunity arrives.
- An accelerated development program built from the needs identified in the assessment will give individuals the opportunity to build on their strengths and fills in any skill gaps that would be required for their next assignment, whether it’s a promotion or a lateral move to another department.
- Internal coaching and mentoring programs are useful in developing the leadership competencies required for the future.
- Regular discussions at the top levels in the organization about the succession plan for every critical role are important. Next in line candidates should be identified for each role and appropriate career paths developed to ensure they are prepared when they step into the key role.
- Finally, you need a passionate CEO, Executive Director or General Manager who knows that talent development is paramount to the sustainability of the organization. This is the one who takes the time to understand what talent exists within the organization and ensures the leadership team is doing the right things to develop the capability of every employee.
Like anything in life, Skills X Practice = Talent, give your employees an environment that supports their development and you will be succession ready.
