A: The very fact that we are talking about succession shows that there is something that can be interpreted as wealth. Typically, succession implies that someone has put in efforts over a period of time and has very “tangible” assets that are worth keeping alive – for the next “generations”.

As for businesses not wanting to promote succession planning – they are pretty short sighted. A considerable amount of businesses (defnitely in Western Europe) suffer from “shot-termism”. They think it is pretty pointless to put a lot of effort into the exercise. They are happy to leave the business as someone else’s problem. If you are a shortterm person, you will undoubtedly attract the same type of individuals, and succession is about the long term.

Also, one should not confuse succession with the ability to blindly promote the predecessor's agenda, as it will most likely bring disastrous consequences to a business in the long run – a business needs to utilise different strategies to address new challenges.

Leaving a position of strategic value without a succession plan will lead to instability and could potentially put a business or division at sea.

A: Absolutely agree. Creating the right culture where people believe that they are serving a worthy cause is tricky and I believe that not many have managed it. Such a culture would have employees committed to the company for reasons other than purely monetary ones. The military can teach business a lesson or two in this feld. During crisis, they can change leadership on the fy – without the group losing focus.

“Creating the right culture where people believe they are serving a worthy cause is tricky. The military can teach a lesson. During crisis, they can change leadership on the fly – without the group losing focus.”

A: Yes I have to agree with the step-child analogy in a non-IT/IS service industry. This argument has been around probably from the 70’s. The CIO can assert himself/ herself much as he/she likes but if the environment if not receptive and does not promote professionalism, governance and excellence in all disciplines that contribute to the strategic stance of a business,  then it will becomes a pointless effort.