Non-profits have so much to worry about these days, like finding funds, acquiring and retaining donors, core work, projects and activities. Being occupied with so many things at once does not let the non-profit organizations ‘think’ like an organization sometimes. People working at non-profits end up feeling that they have much more to look for outside the organization, rather than inside it. Management pioneers have stressed on the need to develop strategic thinking, developing and nurturing talent within the organizations to make them successful in the long run.
For non-profits also, succession planning is very important because of following reasons:
- In case of stepping down of the leader, all the good work done by the nonprofit might be forgotten with the exit of the ‘face’ of the organization. To maintain the reputation of the organization, leadership continuity is important.
- Although there may be advantages and disadvantages of both, succession within the organization and recruiting from outside, there is merit in preparing second-line leaders in case of last minute changes in the management or leadership.
- In an era of dynamic environments the NGOs face today, strategic thinking is necessary and so is succession planning. It must be built in the process to ensure efficiencies and standard processes.
- Developing and nurturing second-line leaders will bring in sustainability in the organization. It will ensure that the vision, mission and objectives are carried out with the same rigor and effectiveness as they were with present leadership.
- It will prevent any systemic inefficiencies that might arise due to any last minute changes of management
- It is important to note here in case of NGOs that it pleases donors also, especially if they are corporate donors, as they appreciate the accountability, strategic planning and the processes you would demonstrate if you have inbuilt succession planning within the organizational processes.
- In addition, if you nurture the in-house talent, there will be increased sense of responsibility within the staff, which would lead to more loyal and more talented pool of people. It will enhance productivity at workplace and will build a synergistic work environment, which is good for the entire organization.
Source URL: https://www2.fundsforngos.org/fundraising/succession-planning-important-ngo/
