Mission-Critical Staff Cannot Expect An Uninterrupted Vacation

Esther Shein reports that senior technology staff are expected to be on call during vacations . The article has drawn many comments that this state of affairs exists at all levels because many firms are now running as lean as possible, with the result that only one individual in the firm can handle certain mission-critical functions.

I have worked in lean enterprises where each area of responsibility was mastered by one individual. This was extremely efficient (these people could make instant decisions in their areas) but stumbled from lack of succession planning.

-DD