Even for the best Modern Magellans there are always things that we do not know how to do. This is a part of life. If you have a business, then you need to make sure that you know how to do every job, task, or duty that is essential to the operation. I know executives that can drive big rigs if it comes to that. I know CEOs that can operate milling machines if necessary. I 'm certain that even Captains in the Navy can man battle stations if called upon.
This is important because you do not want to be a hostage to a person, group, or contractor. Should you have a disagreement with that entity, and you or others are not able to do that function, then it can cripple the company. It is vital that no one person be the only person who knows the passwords, the location of important files, or how to do the functions that make the company what it is.
(This picture happens to be me learning to drive a Peddle-Cab in Berlin. Just incase my credit card was stolen...)
A sole source of knowledge or skill has a strong bargaining position. If you know how to do everything that you company does it removes that advantage. It also looks better for you and helps you to better evaluate the work of others. You will appreciate what other people do if you walk in their shoes.
Try to do some other task at least once a week. Make it an event. Don't just give it lip service; really do it. You will have greater respect for the people who work with you and they will have greater respect for you. Some jobs might be better learned in secret - Saturday can be a good day for that. Hence this post today.
Ask any business owner about their worst day and it often involves someone or an organization they depended on who let them down. Try to make sure that at least 2 people in your company know how to do each and every function. Make sure that you are one of those people for the most important jobs.
People get sick, people have tragedies in their lives, and people quit. You should not wait until it is too late to be prepared. A good Captain has a backup plan for as many emergencies as possible.
Share your story of a sole-source hostage crisis:
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