Leadership Succession Programs

Leadership succession programs are a key factor in ensuring high physician retention rates and an organization’s continued success. These programs show that your organization values quality leadership, and has a plan in place for recognizing and grooming potential leaders for management roles. According to the Cejka Search and AMGA 2006 Physician Retention Survey, 39% of respondents said that their organization has a senior leadership succession plan in place. * Implementing a written leadership succession plan would put your organization ahead of the curve, and in a better position to recruit high-potential candidates.

Establishing set standards to identify future leaders is a fundamental aspect of an effective leadership succession program. Groups often use the following factors to identify potential leaders in their organization:
Leadership/Board observation and recommendation
Demonstrated leadership through committees/roles
Prior leadership training
Demonstrated interest in a leadership role

Once your group has identified potential leaders, it is important to encourage their growth and development within the organization. The following programs and activities are good examples of how organizations can promote leadership from within:
Extensive orientation covering leadership succession plan
Incremental leadership roles
Annual feedback from those in leadership roles
Payment and encouragement for leadership training
Pairing with senior members on projects
Involvement in decision-making within their departments

When recruiting new physicians, emphasize your organization’s leadership standards and how you encourage leadership development throughout the group. Setting leadership succession expectations in writing will help your organization recruit new physicians who are not only a good fit for your organization, but the candidates who have the potential to lead the organization in the future.

*Source: The Cejka Search and AMGA 2006 Physician Retention Survey was completed by 92 members of the American Medical Group Association, and collectively employ more than 16,833 physicians.