Succession Planning Demystified
Succession planning often seems like an overwhelming and unobtainable task, leaving many libraries unsure of where to begin. But it doesn’t have to be! Let’s break it down from a theoretical concept into actionable steps that will help pave the way for a seamless transition and a library that thrives, even in the face of change.
1. Identify Key Positions
Start by pinpointing the roles that are critical to your library's success. These are the positions that, if left vacant, could impact the library's operations significantly. Prioritize these positions for succession planning.
2. Break It Down
Succession planning can be overwhelming if seen as an all-or-nothing endeavor. Break the process into manageable tasks that you can complete on a continual weekly or monthly basis. Tackling it step-by-step makes the journey less daunting and more achievable facilitating a more comprehensive and up-to-date succession plan.
3. Consider a Leadership Development Program
Create a program that nurtures leadership skills. Offer training opportunities to help staff members acquire the skills needed for future leadership roles. This not only benefits individuals but strengthens the overall leadership landscape of your library.
4. Foster a Culture of Growth
Encourage your team to embrace challenges. A culture of growth involves taking on new responsibilities, fostering skill development, and preparing for leadership roles. It's about nurturing a mindset that welcomes progress and is resilient in the face of change.
5. Facilitate Mentoring and Coaching
Pair experienced staff members with those eager to grow. Mentoring and coaching create a supportive environment, allowing for consistent knowledge sharing and cross-training. This also allows you to address small training issues as they arise and before they become major problems within your team.
6. Succession Planning Outline
Craft a clear outline for your succession planning efforts. This ensures consistency across your organization, making the process more transparent and efficient.
7. Establish a Succession Planning Committee
If you are in a larger library with multiple branches or departments it can be very helpful to form a cross-functional team dedicated to overseeing succession planning efforts. This committee should align strategies with the library's broader goals.
8. Plan for Routine Recruitment and Hiring
Develop a specific plan for filling vacancies. When recruiting and hiring become routine, it alleviates the stress associated with sudden staff changes.
9. Build a Talent Pipeline
Create a pool of potential candidates for key positions. Offering cross-training opportunities to assess possible talent does not have to be a guarantee of position or promotion. Just engage in clear communication and set understandable boundaries.
10. Prioritize Director Succession Plan
Don't forget about the director. With the exception of an administrative position being in immediate need of succession planning, the director position should be the first position for which you create a plan. Having a succession plan in place for this pivotal role ensures a smoother transition, benefitting the library, staff, and board.
11. Foster Effective Communication
Ensure that your succession plans are communicated effectively throughout your organization. Every staff member should understand the plan and their role within it.
12. Schedule Regular Evaluation
Succession plans aren't static. Regularly review and evaluate your plan to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. The goal of succession planning is that it is useful when you need it. If your plan was created once and then left alone it will be outdated and unhelpful when the time comes to implement it.
13. Curate a Knowledge Management System
Develop a system for capturing and sharing institutional knowledge. This safeguards critical information, preventing its loss when staff members retire or move on.
14. Recognize and Celebrate Succession
Acknowledge and celebrate successful transitions into leadership roles. Recognizing accomplishments boosts morale and highlights the library's commitment to professional growth.
Succession planning doesn't have to be a mystifying journey. By implementing these practical steps, your library can navigate change with confidence, ensuring a successful and resilient library future.
