Succession planning: aligning strategic goals and leadership behaviors.

In the intense health care environment of today, human capital is an organizations most important asset. Leadership and human capital can often differentiate a successful organization from one that is not. In an ongoing effort to develop a strong and capable workforce, many organizations focus exclusively on hiring and training without regard for succession planning; this is a mistake. Succession planning is essential to develop and maintain organizational success. Succession planning supports the development of strong leadership because it leads to increased skills and competencies of staff who can best manage the organization toward achievement of organizational strategic goals. Dealing with the fears and issues surrounding the topic enables leaders to align an organizations strategic goals with its human capital needs to maintain and support leadership transitions and effective organizations.