Succession Planning
Identifying and developing employees to fill key leadership positions in the future.
Definition
Succession planning is a proactive organizational process of identifying critical roles, assessing the readiness of internal candidates to fill those roles, and developing a pipeline of future leaders through targeted development plans. It ensures business continuity and reduces the risk and cost associated with leadership vacancies. Effective succession planning is typically an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
Example
“As part of succession planning, the company identified three high-potential managers as potential successors for the VP of Sales role and created individualized development plans for each.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied succession planning best practices to improve their learning & development outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding succession planning is essential for anyone building a career in HR & People.”
When & How to Use
Use 'Succession Planning' when working in Learning & Development contexts where succession planning is a proactive organizational process of identifying critical roles, assessing the readiness of internal candidates to fill those roles, and developing a pipeline of future leaders through targeted development plans.
- ▸Applying succession planning principles during a learning & development project or initiative
- ▸Explaining succession planning to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with HR & People
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using succession planning as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'Succession Planning' derives from professional usage and entered HR & People professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of succession planning has evolved alongside HR & People. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of learning & development in the mid-20th century. Today, succession planning is a standard part of HR & People practice globally.
Synonyms
- leadership pipeline
- leadership continuity planning
- talent succession
- replacement planning