9 TIPS FOR SMOOTH SUCCESSION PLANNING Planning for future leadership is something every community bank must contend with, but it's not always an easy process. That's why community bankers and other experts are using succession planning to benefit the entire institution through better communication, recruiting and planning. Here are their tips for finding the best future leaders with as few bumps in the road as possible. BY KELLY PIKE 50 Q ICBA Independent Banker Q December 2021