Here's how you can incorporate feedback and evaluation into airline industry succession planning.

2 Analyze Trends

Once you've collected feedback, it's crucial to analyze it for trends that can inform your succession planning. Look for patterns in leadership competencies, such as communication skills or crisis management abilities that are frequently mentioned in evaluations. These trends will help you understand what skills are most valued and where gaps might exist in your talent pool. Use this analysis to create development plans for high-potential employees, ensuring they're equipped to meet the future challenges of the airline industry.

3 Set Benchmarks

Setting clear benchmarks is essential for evaluating potential leaders against the specific needs of your airline. These benchmarks should be based on the competencies and qualities that align with your airline's strategic goals and culture. Use the feedback and trend analysis to establish these criteria, which could include leadership skills, operational knowledge, or customer service excellence. Benchmarks will not only guide your evaluations but also provide aspiring leaders with targets for their development.

4 Engage Talent

Engaging your identified talent in the succession planning process is crucial for their development and your airline's future success. Create opportunities for these individuals to receive mentorship, take on challenging projects, and participate in leadership training. This engagement allows them to apply feedback in real-world scenarios, fostering growth and demonstrating their readiness for advancement. It also shows a commitment to their career progression, which can boost morale and retention.

5 Monitor Progress

Monitoring the progress of potential successors is an ongoing task that ensures your succession plan remains relevant. Establish regular check-ins and update development plans based on new feedback and evaluations. This continuous monitoring allows you to adjust your strategy as needed, ensuring that your talent pool evolves with the demands of the airline industry. It also helps identify when individuals are ready to step into more significant roles or when additional support may be necessary.

6 Adapt Strategies

Finally, be prepared to adapt your succession strategies based on the feedback and evaluation data you've gathered. The airline industry is dynamic, with frequent changes in technology, customer preferences, and regulatory environments. Your succession plan must be flexible enough to accommodate these changes. Use the insights from your evaluations to update your leadership development programs and ensure your future leaders are equipped to steer your airline successfully through any turbulence ahead.