Module 3/4 22 min
Coverage, bench, and retaining successors
Step 1 / 2·Measure succession health
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Calculate coverage ratio and bench strength
- Recognize 'fake coverage'
- Retain successors and communicate correctly
Learn ~7 min
Measure succession health
Have metrics to know whether succession is strong or weak.
Two basic succession metrics
| Metric | Meaning | Reference benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| COVERAGE RATIO | % of critical positions with at least 1 identified successor | Target ≥ 90% named; more important: what % have someone READY |
| BENCH STRENGTH | Average number of successors per critical position | Healthy: ≥ 2/position; 1 = fragile; 0 = red alert |
Fake coverage
A 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? Nothing = coverage on paper.
Key takeaway: Coverage (breadth) + bench strength (depth); beware fake coverage — names with no development.