Succession planning

Leadership transitions go awry with alarming frequency, often the result of an emotionally charged power struggle between the CEO and his would-be heir. Four practices, however, can help successors defuse the crisis—and make it to the top.

Most organizations aren’t prepared.

Owners need to get their house in order first.

Four ways to be the boss without seeming bossy.

If you're trying to do your team's work for them, probably not.

“Did I find it frustrating as the White House Chief of Staff? Toughest job I ever had, but…if you find it unpleasant to cope with a complex problem that is simultaneously the business of four or five Cabinet departments, several public interest groups, and the Congress, and one that the President will finally decide, then […]

Half of leaders fail in their first role.

In France, management is not a task. It is a "state of mind." Alumni of the grandes ecoles, the elite colleges, dominate the upper echelons of business...

As a newly minted CEO, you may think you finally have the power to set strategy, the authority to make things happen, and full access to the finer points...

Many boards struggle with succession practices.

“The question isn’t whom to choose. It’s how to keep them both.” The more Tom Arthur thought about naming his successor as chief executive of Winger Foods Incorporated, the more important that question became. In his seven years as CEO, Arthur had turned the $5 billion company around. Winger soups once again led in market […]

Organizations need leaders, but the specific one might not matter.

When a UK insurance company is plagued with a securities fraud scandal that results in the ouster of the CEO, the head of human resources seizes the opportunity...

Sometimes just being yourself is the wrong thing to do--especially as you move into new roles and face new challenges. Learn how how leaders can develop...

Dan Sestak has had a charmed career path at packaged-foods giant NutriSelect. But when the CEO unexpectedly passes away just months after Dan is tapped...

They need to up their expectations.

The most promising candidates in your company may not be where you expect.

When employees struggle to make decisions, offer broad guidelines but allow them to gain confidence in making their own judgments.

Many large companies fail to pay enough attention to their leadership pipelines and succession practices. That leads to excessive turnover at the top...

Advice from a veteran executive coach on building relationships and defusing land mines on your way to the corner office.