Strengthen the people you have today for future leadership

A significant challenge of nonprofit leadership transition is that organizations and boards focus on the transactional nature of replacing one individual. For nonprofits to thrive, we suggest they build strength in the people they have, doing so  equitably  across all positions.

 People are the most important asset for mission success. “Succession management” can and must, address equity and succession together. To make transitions less disruptive, nonprofits need to provide greater opportunities to foster strong, prepared staff ready to step into new roles.

 Succession management focuses on people while they are in the organization, rather than imagining how they will be replaced. This means looking with an equity lens at how people are paid, the development opportunities that are offered, and how people are promoted.  We believe that demonstrated equitable practices lead to higher retention and more mission impact.

 Succession management encourages people to grow within the organization and within the larger mission. The hospitality industry is famous for promoting from within so that even those who start at entry level can grow into almost any position. Nonprofits have traditionally preferred to buy (hire) managerial skills rather than training their own. Growth is often presented as a vertical move, ascending “higher” in an organization, rather than an opportunity to build skills in a different, lateral area. We believe that strong, practiced, and well-prepared staff already in the mission can be some of the best successors.

 Succession management also favors many capable people who can step in to carry the mission forward rather than over-reliance on a single individual. Equitable organizations recognize that all people have value instead of valuing positional power, who value board members more than direct service staff. Without recognizing everyone’s importance to mission, organizations will struggle to develop and promote from within.

 Does this sound idealistic?  Yes, and that’s why we love working with nonprofits! It is attainable if we work on the mission rather than just in the mission. Let’s talk about how we can help you and your team define competencies, pathways, and performance management specific to your organization and mission.