The key individuals in your succession plan are those whose absence would significantly disrupt business operations. In a small, family-owned business, this might involve just two people (such as the owners), while in a medium-sized organization, it could include four key roles (like the CEO, COO, HR Director, and CFO).

As organizations grow, the number of critical positions will naturally increase.

Beyond these initial key individuals, it’s essential to explore at least two additional layers of personnel to ensure your succession plan is comprehensive.

Note: In businesses with high turnover due to factors like contracts, burnout, or retirements, you may need to examine three layers to fully address your succession planning needs.