Having said that, it's also probably one of the most thorough books on the topic (and a fine complement to The Leadership Pipeline), incorporating methodical and meticulous guidelines to preparing for and quickly filling crucial vacancies at all levels of the organization, from top management to sales, administrative, technical, and production positions. Not only does it lay out a plan for instituting a long-term succession planning program that includes everything from early action steps to ongoing evaluation and revision, it also shows how to develop, monitor, and evaluate talent and skills in individual employees in order to promote effectively from within (although it acknowledges that sometimes the best choices come from outside, and offers key steps for optimizing the outside-search process as well).

Everything is covered here, from the legal implications of hiring and firing and online and high-tech resources to major trends that will affect succession planning in the years ahead. And, thank god, the author has incorporated some case studies--both fictional/composite and those of several large real-life companies--to add some names and faces to a volume that's about as dry as the Sahara, and (for human-resource professionals, at least) potentially as welcome as a fresh supply of water if you happened to be stuck in such a place. --Timothy Murphy

Product Description
When key employees and executives move on -- whether expectedly or unexpectedly -- organizations had better have a good succession plan in place. The most comprehensive and authoritative book on the subject, Effective Succession Planning has helped countless companies develop strong succession programs and avoid major disruptions.

Thoroughly revised to reflect the latest trends and best practices, the book presents strategies for identifying competencies, clarifying values, assessing current and future needs, and creating a complete, systematic succession planning program. The third edition also features all-new material reflecting the author's surveys on:

* whole system transformation
* software support packages
* tapping retirees to manage succession crises
* the growing activism of boards in succession planning
* and more

The book includes a new diagnostic tool to assess specific succession needs, illuminating case studies, and a CD-ROM with worksheets, assessment tools, and training guides.

Book Description

"In the seminal first edition of Effective Succession Planning, William J. Rothwell warned that businesses that don't take proactive steps to plan for future talent needs at all levels will face certain disruptions, and even disasters, when key employees retire or are lured away by competitors.

Since then, the landscape has become even more complicated. Many organizations have already felt the effects of an aging workforce as increasing numbers of experienced employees retire, taking with them not only the capacity to do the work but also the accumulated wisdom they have acquired over the years. This serious loss of valuable institutional memory has made it apparent that no organization can afford to be without a strong succession program.

Now in its third edition, Effective Succession Planning is still the most comprehensive and authoritative book on the subject. Updated and expanded to reflect the latest trends and best practices in succession management, the book presents strategies for creating a complete, systematic succession planning program. You'll learn how to:

* Identify competencies and clarify values for both planning and managing a succession program.

* Plan for and quickly fill crucial vacancies at all levels from top management to sales, administrative, technical, and production positions.

* Develop and retain top talent, building and preserving your organization's intellectual capital.

* Assess current needs and future resources for seamless succession planning.

* Use online and other technology tools to organize and implement succession planning and management programs.

This edition includes all-new material reflecting the author’s surveys on whole systems transformation; software support packages; tapping retirees to manage succession crises; and more. The book also features a new diagnostic tool to assess specific succession needs, plus illuminating case studies and a CD-ROM with worksheets, assessment tools, and training guides -- everything your organization needs to create, sustain, and evaluate a strong succession planning program."