Cross-Training Plan.

Make sure at least one other person can actually perform each critical function, so a departure is a change rather than a collapse, and your key people can finally take a real break.

After capturing knowledge and access.

Name a backup for each critical function

Critical function

Backup

Choose backups realistically, for capacity and fit, not just willingness. A backup already at capacity is not really a backup.

Cross-train for real

Have the backup actually do the function, with the primary coaching, until they can do it alone. Reading the captured knowledge is not enough

Set a rotation so the backup does the work occasionally, or the skill fades (for example, once a quarter)

The function is covered when the backup has done it alone successfully at least once, not when they have merely been shown. When every critical function has such a backup, no single departure can stop the work, and your key people can take time off without the operation holding its breath.

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