Why Is That Person a Manager?

Apr 21, 2015 | Leadership Development

In the April 21, 2015, Gallup® Business Journal, Amy Adkins wrote an article entitled: Only One in 10 People Possess the Talent to Manage. In her article she states that Gallup found, "One of the most important decisions companies make is simply whom they name the manager...Companies fail to choose the candidate with the talent for the job 82% of the time." When my company works with organizations on succession and workforce planning, the discussions on departments, positions, talent,...

How Ready Is Your Workforce?

Feb 17, 2015 | Succession Planning

Just so we're clear right from the start with the title of this article, I'm not talking about what many human resources professionals refer to as 'Workforce Readiness' i.e., The 'readiness' of individuals to enter or re-enter the workforce productively and the subsequent training needed to help them acquire the necessary skills to become employable. What I'm talking about when I ask, you as a leader, How Ready is Your Workforce? is this: Is your current workforce ready to support, manage, and...

To Be Nimble You Need Concise Plans, Values, Respect, and Necessary Conversations

Jan 14, 2014 | Leadership Development

If you haven’t read it yet, read Adam Bryant’s book: Quick and Nimble – Lessons from Leading C.E.O.’s on How to Create a Culture of Innovation. His insights are important for my readers and clients because they so nicely echo several core leadership concepts I share with my clients during my programs or executive coaching sessions with them. In his book, Bryant covers six key ideas to create a culture of innovation and nimbleness. I’ll list Bryant’s terms and then mine: Create a Simple...

Create a Succession Plan in Eight Steps

Nov 20, 2012 | Succession Planning

I was recently asked by an association president what basic steps he and the executive committee should consider as they create a succession plan that's effective and simple. There are no plans for the CEO to leave. However, the association has a sound strategic plan and process now in place, so wisely, the association leadership team is looking to put a sound succession plan and process in place as well. That's a smart thing to do. Let me share with you what I shared with him so that you too...

Leadership Development and Succession Planning: They’re Not Just HR’s Responsibility

Jul 24, 2012 | Leadership Development

We're making headway, but many executive managers in the public and private sectors still believe the human resources department is primarily responsible for leadership development and succession planning. It's a shame to say it, but those organizations are going to face a long, hard road ahead. The longer executive management continues this limited mindset, the further behind their organizations will be in developing their future leaders and their organizations' succession plans. You see,...