153: Where to Start with Succession Planning, with Bill Bliss

Bill Bliss: Success In the C-Suite

Bill last appeared on episode #118: What’s The Difference Between Management and Leadership

Myths and stopping points of succession planning

• The organization is only mine (I own it)

• The organization is too small

• I don’t know how to create a plan

• In reality, a lot of people just don’t want to make the hard decisions.

Succession planning strategies and principles:

1. Development of leaders requires an investment of time and money

• Look at where the company needs to be five years from now – that’s where the discussion starts

• Then determine the competencies that will need to be ready at that time

• “The number one role of any leader is to identify and prepare their successor.” -Bill Bliss

2. Successful leadership development is a multi-faceted approach

• Bill mentioned the Center for Creative Leadership • as a resource

• Mentorship is valuable for some organizations, as is experiential leadership

• Coaching is also very valuable for individuals

3. Backup succession plans are a necessity, not a luxury

• Don’t place all your eggs in one basket

4. Legacy leaders must learn to completely let go

• Develop interests outside of the organization if you are leading and plan to leave

5. Leaders willingly subordinate their own pride and ego for the sake of the success of the organization

Step one: where is the organization going to be 3-5 years from now?

“Begin with the end in mind.” -Stephen Covey

Practical Action

What action are you taking on your 3-5 year action plan?

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