Succession Planning

The Number One Need of Nonprofits, According to Bridgespan

Nonprofit organizational succession planning consultation facilitated by Leading Transitions will usually include one or more of the following three primary phases:

Phase I: Assessment & Creation
Phase II: Executive Level Emergency Succession Planning
Phase III: Ongoing Succession Planning / Leadership Development

In order for me to make some concrete and sustainable recommendations, we offer the following steps within each of the three phases.

Please also read our steps for Setting the Stage for Leadership Transition.

Services

    • PHASE I:
    Assessment & Culture creation

    Assessment & Culture Creation

    In this first phase of our consultation we will establish a baseline for succession planning practices that are already in place at your organization. From there, we will work with you and your staff on the importance of everyone in the organization talking about changes in leadership, even when these changes are not imminent. We will be working with you to determine what practices are already in place that fall under the succession planning umbrella.

    Oftentimes, we conduct structured interviews with various key constituents. We will work with you on how you may

    bring succession planning issues into the conversations with your Board of Directors.

    If you wish, we enjoy talking with your Board President and / or members of your governance committee of the Board of Directors about their own (volunteer) succession planning responsibilities and opportunities. The intention is for volunteers and and paid staff to discuss the importance of securing your organization’s mission into the future.

    PHASE II:
    EXECUTIVE LEVEL EMERGENCY SUCCESSION PLANNING

    Executive Level Emergency Succession Planning

    Emergency succession planning is a best practice for every organization, since it strives to ensure ongoing programming and operations in the event of an unplanned and extended executive absence. When emergency circumstances occur, there is an enormous level of stress experienced by an organization's staff, board, funders, volunteers and, ultimately, by service recipients.

    Our preference is to work with a team of staff that you select to identify key leadership functions carried out by the executive director, identify senior organizational leaders best qualified to assume the role of executive

    director in an emergency situation, and recommend the cross-training necessary so the team can fulfill the leadership functions until an (interim) executive director is appointed.

    In addition to being better prepared, a major and immediate benefit of this work is staff can enhance leadership skills and perhaps improve their knowledge of each other's roles and responsibilities. They will also gain confidence in their own ability to assume executive functions once cross- training begins. We will outline policies and procedures for the temporary appointment of an acting executive director.

    PHASE III:
    ongoing succession planning / leadership development

    Ongoing Succession Planning / Leadership Development

    We will work with your organizational leaders to create succession planning practices that can be sustainable into the future. Together, we will look at the up-and-coming pipeline of leadership within your organization to determine if these young and/or newer professionals are receiving what they need to be successful in their work.

    When applicable, we can work with your fund development staff on the essential task of including all of

    your past, current and future succession planning efforts into proposal procurement and composition.

    This phase is the time to address what needs to be done to implement new ideas and ensure that there are mechanisms in place to facilitate these ideas being maintained on into the future.

    Explore a relationship with Leading Transitions today: 414.228.9860  |  dawn@leadingtransitions.com

    Testimonials

    Testimonial 1
    "Although still early in our re-org process, it appears clear I owe you.

    I’m certainly feeling much more optimistic regarding the opportunities that might be possible during this challenging time of transition. Thank you for your insights, connections, and support."
    Testimonial 2
    "Mindy, thank you so much. It has been such a pleasure to work with you. Thank you for your flexibility. I have so enjoyed working with the staff and our boards since I took the interim role. We are in a better place today and I am very appreciative of all of the work our staff has done to get us here. It is a wonderful job. I look forward to our future. Thanks again for everything."
    Testimonial 3
    "Mindy is a life changing human who is incredible
    in this community."
    Testimonial 4
    I genuinely appreciated the time you gave me and the candid information you provided. It was very helpful and will hopefully help me make a more informed decision.
    Testimonial 5
    "Our conversation on Friday seriously helped me seal the deal with (the organization) and feel confident in how I went about doing it. And that was just an extension of your help about 2 weeks ago, preparing me for the interview. And this whole experience is an extension of our open, honest, insightful conversation 2 months ago as I began this journey. Thank you!"
    Testimonial 6
    "You have been amazing throughout this process and I want you
    to know that you have made this a little easier
    because you are so helpful."
    Testimonial 7
    "Thanks again for finding time in your event-filled schedule to meet with me. I appreciate and benefit from your insights and attention to my questions and concerns."
    Testimonial 8
    "Mindy,
    Thank you for your amazing guidance and leadership throughout our search process. You guided us every step of the way. You were so easy to reach and communicate with. I so enjoyed working with you."
    Testimonial 9
    "Can't even begin to thank you for the inclusion and your support during the selection process. Your encouragement made a huge difference."
    Testimonial 10
    "I hope our paths cross again, thank you for your kindness, wisdom, and inspirational guidance."
    Testimonial 11
    "Thanks, Mindy - It was WONDERFUL to spend some time with you - did my heart good! Your energy is always infectious. I really appreciated your time and advice as I navigate this last arc in my career work. You are inspiring and practical at the same time!"
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    Testimonials

    "Many thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience at today's executive transitions program. You did a terrific job leading the discussion and keeping the conversation flowing and focused."

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    Leading Transitions