What does succession planning aim to achieve?

Succession planning primarily aims to prepare for future leadership needs within an organization. This strategic process involves identifying and developing internal personnel talent to ensure that suitable candidates are ready to fill key positions when they become available, either due to retirement, promotion, or unexpected departures. By focusing on leadership development and ensuring that the organization has a pipeline of qualified candidates, succession planning helps maintain continuity in leadership and preserves institutional knowledge.

This strategic approach not only helps mitigate the risks associated with sudden leadership gaps, but it also fosters a culture of long-term growth and development within the organization, improving employee morale and engagement as staff see clear pathways for advancement.