All levels of workers should be included in succession plans. Succession planning does not and should not stop with top-level executives. Talent managers should examine all levels of the organization to find the best and brightest employees with desired skill sets. Not including employees who handle the day-to-day work in a succession plan could be detrimental to the business. These employees keep the organization going; think of the loss of knowledge that happens when one of these employees decides to walk out the door.

Succession planning is more than just putting a check next to a few employees’ names on a list. It is a comprehensive plan to put the best person for the company in a newly empty seat and to have that person ready and up to speed on company happenings and what is expected of them from day one. Talent managers who don’t have a plan: It’s time to get one.