This workshop will describe the fundamental components of a succession plan and specific activities that are applicable in certain situations, using work done for Kicking Horse Culture in 2017 as a real-life example.
Often raised as a priority, succession planning doesn’t get done because it’s not urgent. Whether it’s for the executive director, artistic director, or both, time isn’t found for putting finger to keyboard, outlining the process and roles and responsibilities for the organization. However, when circumstances dictate action, it’s a lifesaver to have a plan at your fingertips to ensure you do the job correctly.
Jim, your AD, has been in an accident; what are you going to do? Sharon, your ED, has indicated she’s moving across the country; what are you going to do? A concert is next week and contracts need to be signed for next year…
It’s difficult to recover from an incompatible hire. Having a succession plan in place gives you a ready-to-go process that allows you both to move quickly if need be while still allowing for strategic reflection on what’s best for the organization.
Bio: With a Bachelor of Music degree in composition and theory under his belt, Darren promptly spent thirty years working for BC TEL/TELUS as a computer programmer, project leader, product developer, program manager, business strategy developer, planning and performance director, and human resources director. With that out of his system, he moved to Hornby Island, and embarked on five years of R&D program management for a consortium of large credit unions across Canada.
But back to the arts, Darren has done consulting gigs for organizations, including the BC Touring Council, Federation of BC Writers, Arts Health Network, and, in 2013, a national compensation study for professional presenters sponsored by Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta, Atlantic Presenters Association, BC Touring Council, CAPACOA and CCI-Ontario Presenting Network.
Most recently, he was engaged to produce a succession plan for Kicking Horse Culture in Golden, BC.