In a perfect world every association or other every Chief Staff Officer would have a documented, formal succession plan. (Not to be confused with the Board’s succession planning document.) If you have this done congratulations! The reality is that up to 85% do not. For those that don’t hers a quick planning checklist.
How well briefed and up-to-speed is my board on the issues, trends, and challenges facing our organization?
Does my board know where the corporate records are kept in the office? Does the board secretary keep a separate copy of such records?
Does my board have, or do they know whom to ask, to easily get a list of key contacts for crisis/emergency/transition communications? Have I recently reviewed and updated that list?
If I’m out of the office for an extended period of time, what might not get done or be forgotten?
Do I keep information in my head or in my own private records? Are there key relationships that only I maintain? What would happen to these relationships if I left? Would the organization suffer as a result?
What am I now working on that the board or other key staff would need to know? Are my files organized and properly labeled?
Is there any confidential information to which only I have access? Do board members and/or key staff members have a copies and/or computer access?
Are my key contacts in order and easily identified in my computer system?
Have you delegated specific areas of your responsibilities to your management team?
Is there someone I would appoint as Acting Executive in my absence? Have I prepared that person? Could they answer these questions for the board and/or staff if the need to do so arises?
Does my board know who they should contact and for what? Do I have a staff person designated as board liaison in my absence? Does my staff know what duties they would assume during my planned (or unplanned) absence?
If one of my key staff left, would I know where to find his/her key contacts? Do I know what issues he/she was working on that I would need to follow up on?
Who has authority to sign checks and disburse payroll in my absence? Am I the sole signing authority on any account? (If so, you should not be.)
