A Second Nail

Blogs - Simplifying Management

Our time spent with Dr. Stephenson was well worth it.

Starting out as a Quantum Chemist and then changing to become a social anthropologist gives Dr. Stephenson a unique view on things. More importantly, she brings to the discussion of culture a scientific approach and viewpoints.

Listening to her recount some of her adventures along the way of her research is like reading an adventure novel -- full of intrigue, surprise, challenge, and exciting endings. I really enjoyed hearing about how her research into social networks and social capital tie into the needs and challenges of human capital.

A good example is a discussion we had regarding Succession Planning. Through her research, Dr. Stephenson can identify individuals in an organization who most effectively use the currency of trust to deliver results. Vetting this list of people, comparing it to the developed list of potential successors, and focusing additional development is like hanging a picture.

Last weekend I hung some family pictures. You must understand that I don't like hanging pictures.

I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and not much of a handyman -- a combination that makes for poor execution in hanging pictures. But I do like it when all I have to do is put one nail in the wall to hang the picture. However, without fail, the pictures will soon be askew.

This time, we purchased some frames that had two hooks to hang from. I hate those because then you have to make sure the nails are level. However, once done, the pictures are very sturdy.

Dr. Stephenson's work adds a second nail in the wall to hang the succession planning picture: one nail is from the development and planning process, the second nail is from her organizational diagnostics. One nail works; two nails are better. I like that.

How have you developed your succession plans? Could they be better? Oh, and did I mention her work gives us specific areas to focus on for improvement? I look forward to learning more and using her work in helping organizations.