title: Leadership and effective succession planning in health-system pharmacy departments.
abstract: Leadership succession planning is crucial to the continuity of the comprehensive vision of the hospital pharmacy department. Leadership development is arguably the main component of training and preparing pharmacists to assume managerial positions. Succession planning begins with a review of the organizational chart in the context of the institution's strategic plan. Then career ladders are developed and key positions that require succession plans are identified. Employee profiles and talent inventory should be performed for all employees to identify education, talent, and experience, as well as areas that need improvement. Employees should set objective goals that align with the department's strategic plan, and management should work collaboratively with employees on how to achieve their goals within a certain timeframe. The succession planning process is dynamic and evolving, and periodic assessments should be conducted to determine how improvements can be made. Succession planning can serve as a marker for the success of hospital pharmacy departments.
authors: Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy , Chicago, Illinois.
authors: Lara Kathryn
authors: LK
authors: Ellinger
authors: Manager, Patient Care Services and Practice Advancement, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics , Madison, Wisconsin.
authors: Philip J
authors: PJ
authors: Trapskin
authors: Pharmacy Product Specialist, Vigilanz Corporation , Minneapolis, Minnesota.
authors: Raymond
authors: R
authors: Black
authors: Director of Pharmacy, Northwestern Memorial Hospital , Chicago, Illinois.
authors: Despina
authors: D
authors: Kotis
authors: Assistant Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services, Tampa General Hospital , Tampa, Florida.
authors: Earnest
authors: E
authors: Alexander
keywords: hospital pharmacy; leadership; pharmacy department; succession planning