Leadership succession management in a university health faculty

Abstract

We report on a succession planning pilot project in an Australian university health faculty. The programme aimed to enhance organisational stability and develop leadership capacity in middle level academics. Six monthly sessions addressed university and general leadership topics, communication, decision-making, working with change, self-management and career development. Participants were assisted by mentors and sponsors and completed a project for the faculty. Kirkpatrick's model was used to evaluate participants' reactions, knowledge, behaviour change and plans for the future using an open-ended questionnaire. Four men and four women completed the programme, rating it satisfactory. Participants' responses revealed acquisition of leadership capacity, changes in perceptions of leadership, and motivation to undertake leadership roles. Mentors were invaluable to leadership development and reported high satisfaction with the role. The model has potential as a guide for succession planning.