We talk a lot about succession planning in relation to employee engagement, but it dawned on me I was living it during a recent move. My parents, who are in their early 70’s, are beyond supportive and helpful. Even though most of my moves occurred out of state (bless my mother who traveled to Dallas several times to help) they have been instrumental with my Boston moves. Don’t get me wrong, I was not standing idly by, but when and how they helped was different this time.
Past: Dad told me, the heat is ample. You will be warm and comfortable, and your bill should average this amount winter and summer. Another time, he warned I would freeze and would pay dearly for heat. I loved the place and chose not to listen. You were right Dad; I literally froze my butt off for 2 years.
Present: It began with finding a new place to live. My dad looked at the boiler with me before I signed the lease. He talked about the importance of energy-efficient windows. He told me to ask the owners for seasonal electric and gas bills. We went over the mechanics of the house from locks to heating registers to dryer vents. I learned a few things, and I am enjoying the pleasures of a comfortable home.
Past: Mom hung my curtains for me. I was doing other tasks while she did this, but I was happily uninvolved and yes, reaped the benefits.
Present: Who knew there was a cafe curtain rod, various tension rods, and the ability to reuse curtains with a new look? This year we are waiting to hang curtains when we have more time. We are doing it together.
Past: Mom would place furniture that made any room look bigger, calmer, and more relaxing.
Present: Mom talked about why you need to consider the size and shape of rooms when placing furniture and hanging artwork, to create functional and attractive spaces. Pretty elementary, right? But honestly, I never stepped back and thought about it before I started pushing furniture around. I am not a total moron with this stuff – my places have always been cool, but there is always room for improvement. I am learning new things. I am going from good to great and learning the specific “how to’s.” This is engagement!
During this recent move, I realized succession planning was happening on a very personal level. My parents want me to learn these skills because one day they won’t be able to help me. The running joke is I will upgrade them to the best retirement home possible when their time comes! Instead of my parents doing some things on their own, while I was literally working several states away, we are doing it together. I am learning and embracing it. I have even laid out various hardware and tools to review with my dad, so I am completely comfortable with what they are, and how to use them. Then I can then organize them for future use myself. It may not shock you to learn I was potty trained by 18 months….moving on!
Of course, there are differences between this very personal example of succession and succession in the workplace in regards to employee engagement, but some lessons overlap. If I can embrace this active role, there is no reason for you not to address passing the torch with your employees. It needs to happen. While it can be emotional for a variety of reasons, your organization can and should have these discussions. Yes, it does take time to plan, but the benefits will aid your sustainability. (I am feeling more confident about mine!)
Steph. Mello, VP of Everything
