EFFECTIvE SuCCESSION MANAgEMENT SySTEMS This section outlines the approaches of two successful organizations to the succession management process (Dow Chemical and SmithKline Beechum) and also provides an example of a commonly used tool in assessing the talent pool of an organization (see Figure 2). An important point to note about this process is that the evaluation of high-potential employees ultimately is a subjective process based on the expert opinions of those who serve in supervisory roles.
It is also often hashed out in discussions among a small group of managers.
The quality and the honesty of these discussions are critical for a successful talent identification process. If the conversations about employees’ potential are superficial and vacuous, then the entire succession management process is at risk. A climate of honesty, trust and transparency is an important factor in the system’s ultimate success.