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A Case in
Point
In April 2006,
Randy Walker, 52, signed a 5 year extension as Head Football Coach at
Northwestern. And started planning for succession in 2012.*
On June 29,
2006, Randy Walker died of a heart attack. And 2012 came 6 years early.
But as NU
learned, no matter the age, health or happiness of the current leader, every
organization should – no, must – be prepared for a sudden, unplanned change of
leadership. But where do you start?
(*NW is not a client of ESC) |
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The Executive Service Corps Can Help
ESC has a
simple Succession Planning approach to guide you in anticipating what
can't be anticipated, in thinking about the unthinkable. In collaboration
with organization leadership, ESC will develop a customized Succession
Plan that spells out its unique, essential elements in ways that are easy
to implement. It will include plans for short-term, long-term and
permanent executive director changes.
Executive Service Corps Succession
Planning
Includes:
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A specific person is identified, or specific
criteria established to select an Acting Executive Director.
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A detailed communications plan is
established to notify board members, funders and other key stakeholders.
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A thorough inventory is prepared with the
collection of important, scattered information and place it all in one
document so the new leader has the tools to lead.
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Once developed, the plan
should be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
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Executive Service Corps Client Services Include:
When You Need To:
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Develop contingency plans for unexpected
leadership departures
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Develop succession plans for key leaders
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Assess your strategic situation, including
strategic planning and board development
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Assess your ongoing and future leadership needs
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Build organization-wide and stakeholder consensus
for the type of leader you need
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Develop and implement cohesive plans for effective
leadership transition
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Assure that key stakeholders, staff and board buy
into the process
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Transition planning is an important part of Strategic
Planning. And Succession Planning should– no, must– be routinely included.
Because filling the role of Executive Director and assuring consistent effective
leadership are among the Board's key responsibilities.
At ESC, we know the future can sometimes arrive all
too soon. It's never too soon to plan for it.
Impact of an ESC Consultancy
"The ESC consulting team is helping us assess our
future organizational leadership needs, and plan and carry out a thoughtful
transition from our founding ED to our new ED. As a result, we expect to
navigate the retirement of our long term ED deftly and with the appropriate
celebration and recognition of his achievements, while assuring ourselves a
professional successor suited to our future needs is identified and smoothly
integrated - both to the staff and the board."
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