I asked my new CEO client that question. She said “Well we haven’t needed to use it yet.”
I asked “OK, are you practicing your plan?” She thought and said “Yes, when people are on leave or absent for some reason.”
I asked “So are any of your potential successors practicing in the roles whilst the incumbent is present to act as a coach or mentor?”
“No, but they will be from now on” was the considered reply.
Succession plans need to be practiced, not only when the incumbent is away but when they are present to coach and mentor.
To practice your succession plan only when the incumbent is absent is half-baked and incomplete practice.
What do you think?
