Designated Survivor (#4)

As each of you continue to work the problem and lead your family, team, and company through the coronavirus crisis, there are some unique challenges caused by the virus. The show Designated Survivor, starring Kiefer Sutherland aired for three seasons on Netflix. If you haven’t seen the show, the premise is that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (Sutherland) becomes President of the United States after an explosion kills all those in the line of succession above him.

Now I don’t want anyone to get infected or exposed to someone who is, but the coronavirus presents similar challenges — hosting a live meeting where one person has been exposed to the virus could result in your entire leadership team being sent home to quarantine for 14 days. Remember that if someone tests positive for the virus, on average, they had a five day incubation period. Some teams and companies may not have not thought through this challenge, yet.

A way to work the “Designated Survivor” problem:

Step 1: Identify your company’s or your team's essential functions and the necessary employees/leaders to perform them to ensure business continuity.

• Establish shifts

• Establish virtual and in-office teams, especially within your leadership group

• Designate the person that takes over for you whether you are in quarantine or sick

Step 2: Train redundancy to prepare for the inevitable absenteeism (even just 15 minutes).

• Not only sick employees/leaders will stay home

• People exposed to the virus will be quarantined for 14 days

• Others might need to care for the sick or for children

Step 3: Communicate the succession plan, decision making authorities, and the rationale each week

Step 4: Revise the plan as events unfold. Keep working the problem and communicating the changes to the team.