Have you recently been passed for a much coveted promotion?

There could many reasons for it. In my experience, one reason that is systematically overlooked though is how good of a succession plan you have in place.

Strong leaders are able to empower their team, develop and grow the people on the team. To do this successfully, you must think constantly about what the future looks like for each person on your team. What is it they want to do? Who wants to become a manager maybe? Who is demonstrating leadership skills that could be brought to a higher level? Who wants to stay where they are and become an expert in what they do.

Once you understand this, you must identify 1 or 2 persons who could take on your role at some point, identify what gaps they have in order to step into your shoes and plan training and development with them so they are ready when you need.

With that process in place, make sure you (over)-communicate to your boss and other critical stakeholders about the fact that when the time for a promotion comes, you already have a plan in place for your replacement.

Doing this will showcase you as a strong and trusted leader:

• Someone who can empower and grow their team
• Someone who can plan in advance and have a vision
• Someone who can turn a potential challenge (you leaving your current position and your current manager having to deal with replacing you) into a great opportunity (the replacement is already identified and groomed for the role)

Next time you know you may be considered for a promotion, keep this in mind: Who will replace me? How fast can the person step in? Have I told my plan to everyone who will be part of the decision to promote?

What was/is your experience here? Tell me in the comments.

For comments or questions, please visit my website or contact me at pascal@p-m-coaching.com