If your project or company depends on you alone (or one single person) to keep the system running, we have a problem. What if you get sick or quit? How does the company survive if you go on vacation or maternity leave? Who will pick up the pieces and keep your projects alive?

It is unwise to have only one person on staff with a set of specific skills, qualified approvals, or niche knowledge. It is equally unwise to let multiple individuals of similar talent fall out of touch with each other’s responsibilities. Network your team so that each individual has at least one other person’s shoulder to lean on. And make sure all the important pieces are covered should anything fall apart.

Have a back-up man (or woman) as a part of your back-up plan. The United States of America has a Vice President for a reason. You should, too.