Finding the Next CEO: Opportunities & Dangers for Directors and Their Trusted Advisors

Summary: Finding the next chief executive is one of the most important actions a board can take. It is vitally important to get the right leadership to move the organization forward and to release the talent from the team. There may well be executives in the organization that would lay claim to that role, and succession planning may have included the development of those considered contenders. Much will depend on the extent to which the departure of the current chief executive was planned. The lead external and internal candidates should have been identified before the incumbent leaves. This case study based course, part of AICBA’s series on Board Leadership & Governance, is designed to provide Directors and their Trusted Advisors with a practical framework for dealing with this critical senior executive transition issue. 

SCHEDULE: TBA

Learning Objectives 

Based on actual examples, this “how-to” program will teach Directors and their Trusted Advisors to:

  • Understand the strengths, personality and styles of the current top team
  • Clarify from the strategy the key drivers of value over the next years
  • Agree on the job description and clearly identify the business needs
  • Recognize that the internal candidates deserve proper consideration
  • Involve non-executives outside the nomination committee in the selection process

Program Content

This program will be an invaluable guide to Directors and their Trusted Advisors when choosing a new CEO.

Planned content includes:

  • The importance of recognizing that stockholders own the corporation
  • The active role of professional executives and managers in leading the company
  • How Directors should use their ultimate decision making authority
  • The most important qualities of any senior level candidate
  • The red flags of any potential candidate
  • The dangers of the ego-driven candidate
  • The importance of EQ and EC in assessing the candidates
  • The top down attitude and other leadership hang-ups

Instructional Method, Program Length and Continuing Education Credits 

This program utilizes a combination of lecture, facilitated discussion and short exercises. The suggested length is one full day. Actual program content and length is tailored to the unique needs of each client, and is determined in planning conversations with the client. In accordance with the standards of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors CPE credits will be granted based on a 50-minute hour.

Program Level: Advanced

Prerequisites: None

Advance Preparation: None

Delivery Method: Group-Live

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

Recommended CPE Credits: 1 to 8 credits, depending on actual tailored program length

Questions? 

Should you need additional information, please visit our FAQ page or feel free to email us at JohnLVerna@AICBA.com