Board governance is one of the most important elements in high-growth firms. We often get a wide range of questions on managing risks in high-growth organizations. Adopting risk management best practices early in the development of an organization can put your firm on the path to accelerated growth. If done correctly, high-growth firms have the ability to continue along their successful growth path.

The issue of board governance often comes up as high-growth firms establish their risk management program. Board governance is what really keeps your business moving and growing. Therefore, you must give leadership succession a very high priority. These leaders will move your company forward or backward, depending on their skills and understanding of how your firm operates.

The best way to prepare for succession is for the board to hold several discussions every year about who the best choices for new leaders are. They need to make an effort to get to know these candidates personally and observe how they react in crisis situations. They should also create assignments that will prepare candidates for possible future roles.

Without preparation for leadership succession, board members and investors may find they lack confidence in their inside choices. In such cases, many companies will tend to fall back on outside hires. This isn’t always a good approach, because while the new hires may look good on paper, they often lack the inside knowledge of your company that is necessary for making a smooth and long-term transition. Boards should instead hold leadership succession planning meetings to keep track of candidates and their progress in gaining the needed experiences that will prepare them for their new positions.

High-growth firms should include board governance and leadership succession in their risk management planning. These long-term goals can help prevent potential serious losses resulting from a disruptive transition in leadership. For more tips and strategies on risk management planning for high growth firms, please contact one of our TechAssure Association members today.