Michigan Family Independence Agency

Need:

A strong shift in employee demographics showed an urgent need for Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) to have a succession management plan. Data revealed that 75 percent of senior-level associates were eligible to or planning to retire within five years, and 25 percent were currently eligible for retirement. Given the steep learning curve that accompanied the transition into senior-level positions, FIA needed a systematic approach to effectively identify and prepare high-potential individuals for these senior-level jobs.

Solution:

Together, FIA and DDI worked to create and launch a custom, multifaceted succession management initiative to prepare associates for senior-level positions. Called the Leadership Academy, FIA's program incorporates DDI's "grow your own" philosophy and Acceleration Pool® methodology to speed the development of promising individuals. Over the course of the two-year Academy, members develop leadership skills through competency assessments, developmental feedback and planning, mentoring, action learning assignments, real-time learning opportunities, and stretch assignments.

Results:

Leadership Academy members are seven times more likely to be promoted than nonmembers and have received double the pay increases of nonmembers. ASTD awarded FIA and DDI an Excellence in Practice Citation, and government agencies around the country have contacted FIA for assistance in starting similar programs.