Smart Transitions is a Stevens Strategy Consulting Service for executives in transition. When a current executive leaves the institution and a new one is appointed and begins his or her tenure, it inevitably initiates a change process. Ideally, this transition in leadership is thought through completely and well managed; a transition that is strategic, positive and productive for the out-going leader, the incoming leader, and ultimately, for the institution. Smart Transitions specifically focuses on the executive leaders in these times of transition. We are the sounding boards, questioners and conversation partners, helping the executive leader navigate his or her transition within the historical, cultural and political context of the institution. Smart Transitions offers an advantage that enables a college or university to attract and retain effective leaders while exemplifying best practice in managing timely and well executed transitions.
Succession Planning
Today’s high impact organizations cannot focus on one leader alone; they must develop internal employees to meet the current and future needs of the organization. In addition to the identification and growth of top talent, succession planning is essential for building the capacity and the efficiency of business operation. While corporate America has realized that succession planning provides long-term organizational and leadership sustainability, colleges and universities have been slow to embrace the concept and practice. As a result, the pipeline of identified and mentored leaders within institutions is less than robust. The future of academic institutions depends on the ability of current executives to ensure adequate leadership continuity though the constant identification and building of talent from within. Stevens Strategy offers assistance to institutions that seek to increase their leadership stability through the incorporation of succession planning processes into their overall business structure.