In "Tom Peters Times" (October 2007), Tom Peters Company President/CEO Juli Ann Reynolds writes about what she calls "Succession Planning in a YouTube World". In the piece, she explores the "most dramatic change in the business world" since the publication of Peters' In Search of Excellence a whopping 25 years ago.

Back in 1982, Peters recognized the impact of making a "long-term investment" in employees, but today's business world is faced with a "war for talent" that requires more comprehensive strategy and planning - specifically succession planning. As Reynolds notes:

"By investing time and money in developing talent,
organizations are able to seamlessly transition new talent to take the reins."

"The strategic challenge facing leaders today is...
developing and implementing an effective succession planning process."

Reynolds further points out that, for optimal outcome from succession planning, the leader of a business must encourage the next generation management to take charge of their own diverse development and growth. While Ms. Reynolds is referencing the corporate world, the planning philosophy holds just as true for your family farm or agribusiness.