Clearly, succession planning must assume a higher priority in many corporations. In addition, however, many progressive companies now realize that a critical part of any successful succession plan is a comprehensive retention plan. One way to minimize the need for replacing senior executives is to strategically plan ways to entice them to delay retirement or to alter their work arrangements with the company. For example ,corporations such as Chevron,Prudential Insurance,and Monsanto systematically offer consulting and part-time assignments to executives who might otherwise leave the organization. These companies see this type of HR flexibility as an essential part of their future success.