Continuity Model Generation

Talent: Successors’ Talent Development Planning for Continuity

Cornerstone Concept: Develop an Informed Individual Philosophy of Stewardship.

Preamble: Preparing the right people the right way takes careful planning and requires pivoting, in most cases. The end game is a talent pool of all-rounders with complementary skill sets and mindsets to tackle increasingly complex environments. But, just as environments are increasingly complex, so too, it seems, are individuals.

Of the four essential plans for continuity that make up the Continuity Canvas, the successors’ talent development plan is arguably the most undervalued. Continuity modeling involves taking a much more expansive approach to planning. This is the most important differentiation between the continuity and succession plan generations. Recall from the strategy planning section that the approach is to extend the process to all activities, not just to those associated with the operating entity. Likewise, the asset, wealth, and estate planning process is intentionally expansive. In a similar vein, the successors’ talent development planning process looks to nurture individual talent across the individual life cycle and could extend to include accommodating senior generations as they exit full-time engagement in operational roles.

The mantra introduced in the big tent framework is apt and worth revisiting. That is, the aim is to prepare individuals to be ready, willing, and capable to contribute in meaningful ways. ...