What is the first step in the Succession Management Process?

The first step in the Succession Management Process is to identify key positions. This is crucial because understanding which roles are vital to the organization's success lays the groundwork for the entire succession planning strategy. By identifying these key positions, organizations can focus their efforts on ensuring that there are qualified individuals ready to step into these roles when necessary, thus maintaining operational continuity and minimizing disruption.

Once the key positions are identified, subsequent steps such as building job profiles, maintaining a skills inventory, and evaluating effectiveness can take place. However, without first pinpointing which positions are essential, the process lacks focus and direction. This foundational step allows the organization to align its succession management efforts with its strategic goals, ensuring that the right talent is developed for the right roles at the right time.