At many health care organizations, almost half of senior leaders are approaching retirement age within the next 10 years. Without a disciplined succession planning process, health systems face two risks.

First, they may fail to meet strategic priorities because critical positions are vacant. Second, they may select future leaders who look or think much like the current leadership team—and who aren't necessarily the leaders needed for future success.

This briefing includes eight key insights from our conversations with HR executives about succession planning. Use them to help your executive team and board build a strong, diverse leadership bench ready to meet current and future challenges.