Succession planning blind spots

by: Deedee Myers, Ph.D.

A mutual understanding between the chair and CEO about desired succession planning outcomes goes a long way toward organization success, both long-and short-term.

On the other hand, when an effective chair/CEO dialogue is non-existent, there is a high likelihood of unintended consequences regarding trust and transparency–and inadequate development of the executive team and middle management team.

Here are some additional succession planning blind spots to watch out for:

1.  Some CEO followers of the Carver governance model assume they do not have responsibility to develop potential CEO successors. The outcome of this separation of duties often leads to disillusionment by executives who want to be seen and developed as potential successors. If executives are not developed as potential CEO candidates, and they want to be, a higher flight risk is probable.

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