25 E. Washington Street, Suite 1500

Chicago, Illinois 60602

312.580.1840

www.esc-chicago.org

info@esc-chicago.org

Emergency Leadership Planning

Every nonprofit or public agency depends on sound and stable leadership, making unplanned leadership absences traumatic. Having a ready-to-go emergency plan for leadership continuity is vital insurance for any organization, no matter how large or small.

Whether a sudden, unanticipated departure is permanent or temporary, it will mean significant and immediate challenges. This is all the more true in smaller organizations, where a single executive leader may wear a vast array of hats. It’s in these emergency moments that unprepared organizations have to cope with urgent questions that range from the micro (who will sign paychecks or has keys to the office?) to the macro (who will ensure we can serve our clients, or can manage our operations or lead our staff?).

Knowing that there is a plan would be a huge relief to board and staff, even if it might never be needed. And an ESC “Emergency Leadership Kit” is just such a resource. The E-L-K is specifically tailored to an organization’s unique situation and needs, providing a step-by-step, detailed inventory of knowledge, procedures and resources to ensure that essential activities and responsibilities are documented. Having an E-L-K means that any organization faced with a sudden leadership departure can reassure its clients, staff, board and funders that their operations are stable. An ESC consulting team guides the creation of an E-L-K, which includes:

• Collecting and organizing vital documents, policies and procedures, ranging from governance matters to financial, human resources, program and facilities information
• Defining and assigning vital responsibilities among staff and/or board, based on specific needs and factors such as anticipated period of leadership absence
• Crafting communications messaging and materials to inform stakeholders and the media, as may be required
• Providing peace-of-mind that if/when the unexpected happens the organization will be ready to cope with the challenges while continuing to fulfill its mission and serve its constituents