When business leaders use the phrase “succession planning,” their thoughts probably don’t fly immediately to their organizations’ learning functions. But they likely should, because effective succession planning really isn’t just about planning. It’s about the successful...

Learning and development professionals have never been at the top of the corporate salary scale. Whether placed in the human resources function or elsewhere, training professionals are rarely seen as the most essential, powerful or highly regarded employees, not even when viewed from within their own...

Succession planning for upper-level management is one of the most critical tasks an organization can perform, and yet it is often the most neglected task. Many companies have comprehensive plans and procedures for replacing front-line supervisors and middle managers, most often referred to as replacement...

In an ever more complex and volatile business environment, organizations must leverage all the resources of a global firm to develop and provide for learners and leaders. In October 2007, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a record high of 14,164. By March 2009, the Dow had sunk to 6,469, and...

by Deanna Hartley Former Hewlett-Packard Co. CEO Mark Hurd made headlines early this month when he resigned over a sexual harassment allegation. Also making headlines is the fact that HP has no clear successor for Hurd, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The tech conglomerate isn’t alone....