This Week's Herman Trend Alert

Cyberbullying---a Growing Problem
 

  The Herman Trend Alert

July 23, 2008

Fail to Plan and You Plan to Fail

According to a recent study of 2,500 senior human resources executives, conducted by the Novations Group, a global consulting firm headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, fewer than half of the companies that have succession plans update those plans on a regular basis. At the same time, 22 percent of respondents which have succession plans in place, state their organizations often recruits from outside for senior level openings .while ignoring their own preparatory work.

Fortunately, succession planning is increasing in importance. Too many companies are in a continuous cycle of recruiting and attrition. Turnover is expensive, not only in terms of dollars, but also in terms of engagement and productivity as well.

In the words of Executive Consultant Michelle Knox, organizations need to move beyond "succession planning" to "succession management". “Companies think because they have a plan they’re all set, but the challenge is broader and needs to fit into a process that supports ongoing talent development, not only the need to quickly fill an empty slot."

Knox believes organizations that do succession management well, have the entire process owned by the executive team which is then executed by Human Resources. Succession management should also be aligned with corporate strategy and all human capital systems. Instead of slotting a single individual to fill a particular position, wise employers will create talent pools where participants are given access to the tools and resources needed for their own continuing development,

Another best practice suggested by Novations is to have individuals nominate themselves. Their individual development needs are then evaluated, a development plan created, and the employees both give and get feedback on progress made. Senior leaders also check the individual's progress throughout the year.

Without qualified, experienced people, we have seen entrepreneurs sell their businesses prematurely or simply go out of business. Expect this increased attention to succession management to escalate, as companies realize just how seriously the skilled labor shortages can affect them. Because of these skilled labor shortages, we will see smaller and smaller organizations engage in similar behavior, realizing that succession planning without succession management is virtually a waste of time .


© Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."


DISCOVER WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON...
in the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-416-7066, or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html.

MOM ALWAYS TAUGHT IT WAS GOOD TO SHARE
You have probably subscribed to The Herman Trend Alert for a while now and you know how valuable it is to you. Why not suggest that your friends sign up at http://www.hermantrendalert.com? Join the thousands who subscribe in 87 countries around the globe. Are there particular topics you'd like to see covered? Let us know and we will research "The Future of. . .". And let us know how else we may serve you? E-mail: joyce@hermangroup.com.

YOUR EMPLOYEES NEED THEIR LEADERS MORE THAN EVER
Help your leaders to excel. Thousands have used our weekly Lessons in Leadership to help their supervisors and managers remember how to hold onto top talent. The 52-week subscription is only $47, a bargain when you think about the savings to your organization in reduced turnover. Quantity discounts available by emailing Carol at carol@hermangroup.com. Order today at: http://www.hermangroup.com/store/subscription_all.html#3.


Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers.

New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert.


Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert
View this week's Herman Trend Alert
Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         


[ Home · About · Products · Resources · Media ]

 
7112 Viridian Lane
Austin, TX 78739
Voice: 336-210-3547
Toll Free in US & Canada: 800-227-3566
E-mail: info@hermangroup.com

  © The Herman Group. All rights reserved.

Web site design by WebEditor Design Services, Inc.