The exposure when critical knowledge lives in one person — the risk they leave, and the cost of their departure.
How to apply key person risk
- Identify roles where departure is critical
- Document and cross-train the knowledge
- Build retention plans for key people
The #1 mistake to avoid
Discovering the risk when the person resigns.
The metric that matters
Frequently asked questions
What is key person risk?
The exposure when critical knowledge lives in one person — the risk they leave, and the cost of their departure.
Why does key person risk matter for my business?
Because it directly affects how well your business performs — get it wrong and it costs you in measurable ways. Done right, it becomes a competitive advantage.
How do I apply key person risk?
Start with the practical steps: Identify roles where departure is critical; Document and cross-train the knowledge; Build retention plans for key people. The key is to start small, measure, and expand what works.
What is the most common mistake with key person risk?
Discovering the risk when the person resigns.
IDAP Talent Division
This glossary entry is maintained by the IDAP Talent division — specialists who deliver this capability on demand to businesses worldwide.