Editor’s Note

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed leadership forever. It has also brought increased attention to preparing succession plans for key executive positions. Although many organizations were forced to put succession planning on the back burner during the pandemic, in 2021, more organizations will need to be upbeat and agile at succession planning, to choose the right leaders to the C-suite.

What are some of the best ways your organization can implement and follow a winning plan for succession management? How important is it to develop a succession plan that supports diversity? Read this issue of Leadership Excellence for answers to these questions and more.

When it comes to succession management, many companies, especially startups and smaller companies, may not even know where to begin. Deciding who to promote is not always an easy call; just because a valuable employee possesses the skills and talents to exceed in their current role doesn’t mean they will see the same results in an executive leadership position. Interested in learning about ways your organization can execute a winning plan for succession management? Read Matt Abbott’s article, Succession Management Need Not Be Stressful.

Forward-looking development programs are inherently beneficial to companies because they prepare the next generation of leaders well ahead of a planned succession and give the company more well-qualified candidates to consider when a leadership transition occurs. To increase the diversity of participants, however, current leaders need to take some additional steps. For more insights into that, read Cynthia Lee Dow and Tina Shah Paikeday’s article, Creating More Equitable Succession Practices.

2020 was an unprecedented year for businesses investing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and corporate activism. 2021 can become a year of continued progress towards change with intentional action. There are two talent practices that can supercharge companies’ efforts related to increasing diversity and representation within leadership. Dion Bullock’s article, Increasing Diversity And Representation In Leadership For 2021 And Beyond sheds some light on this topic.

If older generations embraced the mentorship of younger generations, our lives and businesses would be more efficient, innovative and strategic. Do you agree? If yes, how do you start? The Dance Of Mentorship By Marissa Waldman has the answer!

This is just a sneak peek into what we have for you in the June issue of Leadership Excellence. We hope you enjoy reading all the leadership articles and get back to us with your valuable feedback.

Cheers!