At this point, most managers understand the myriad of advantages that come from cross-training. But could your finance department benefit from an even more formalized cross-training process?
Here is a three-step strategy to help make cross-training a more formal process in your finance department:
- Identify — and rank — which processes and roles need to be protected in your finance department. While the goal is to eventually create a cross-training program in which all positions can be covered by a co-worker, certain tasks must take precedence — i.e., running payroll.
- Create a panel of experts. All managers know who their top performers are. But your experts need to be strong communicators when it comes to explaining what it is that they do.
- Figure out who should be cross-trained. It may not be worthwhile to train every member of your finance department. This is a great opportunity to send a message to your superstars that you really want them to further their careers.
