Succession Planning Preparing for the Transitions in our Professional Life

Abstract

As one thinks about the transitions and career moves in one’s professional life, succession planning may be something to consider. Succession planning may also be utilized for short term absences such as vacation or sabbaticals. Whether one leaves all the responsibilities until one returns or cross-trains someone to do the tasks or do some of the tasks while “gone” needs to be contemplated. Feelings of obligation to the organization may determine how much energy is spent in the process. The session will look at identifying and developing skills within the library staff and mentoring the staff not only for the library but for future jobs they may have. Succession planning also involves preparing supervisors and administration in order to help manage the transitions and changes that will inevitably arise when staff leave or have a new position within the organization. The session ended with a time for discussion.