Incoming and outgoing hospital CEOs: what kind of help do they want?

CEO turnover, although common, is expensive and disruptive for everyone involved. Both incoming and outgoing CEOs would welcome help in making the transition a painless experience. Through a 2005 nationwide survey of 805 current hospital CEOs, the authors obtained comments and suggestions in response to three open-ended questions about specific activities or processes that would help incoming and outgoing CEOs. Mostly, CEOs felt the need for a structured orientation process, succession planning, concrete peer and organizational support, training on recruitment and retention for the board, and an adequate separation package including continued healthcare coverage.