Module 4/6 25 min
Advanced succession: coverage, bench, readiness
Step 1 / 3·The leader's succession metric set
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Calculate and interpret coverage ratio and bench strength
- Classify readiness: Ready Now / Ready 1–2 years / Ready 3+
- Govern talent risk for critical positions
Learn ~8 min
The leader's succession metric set
Grasp the 4 strategic-level succession-governance metrics.
4 core succession metrics
| Metric | How to calculate / classify | Reference benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| COVERAGE RATIO | % of critical positions with at least 1 identified successor | Target usually ≥ 90% named; more important: what % have someone READY |
| BENCH STRENGTH | AVERAGE number of successors per critical position (bench depth) | Healthy: ≥ 2/position; 1 = fragile; 0 = red alert |
| READINESS | Ready Now / Ready 1–2 years / Ready 3+ years — by the gap to the target role profile | The most critical positions should have at least 1 Ready Now or Ready 1–2 |
| TALENT RISK | Compound risk: incumbent leaves × no ready replacement | Risk matrix: likelihood of leaving (high/low) × bench readiness |
Fake coverage — a common disease
A succession list with 100% coverage but all 'names to fill the box', with no one actually developed. Check real health with the question: over the past 12 months, what stretch assignment or path did each successor get? If nothing — that's coverage on paper.
Key takeaway: Coverage shows breadth, bench strength shows depth, readiness shows maturity, talent risk shows where the fire is.