Succession Planning: A Practical Guide for Small Teams

Quick answer

Succession planning: name a backup for every critical role, develop them deliberately, and test coverage — continuity insurance that also grows people.

The map

Critical roles → current holder → named backup → readiness level — the table that shows the risk.

Developing backups

Stretch assignments, exposure, mentorship — backups are made, not found.

Testing coverage

The holder takes two weeks off; the backup runs it — coverage proven or it’s theoretical.

For small teams

Every critical seat needs a backup — in small teams bus factor is the top organizational risk.

Bottom line

Succession planning: name a backup for every critical role, develop them deliberately, and test coverage — continuity insurance that also grows people.

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