Selecting a Corporate Champion

Once a business has decided that business continuity & disaster recovery is an issue that needs to be addressed (as opposed to it being a back burner, or not even on the stove or radar screen issue) someone needs to placed in charge.

Companies that have worked to tackle Business Continutiy eventually end up creating a position and a department for Business Continuity, why, because they see that it is absoultely necessary to the GROWTH and survival of the company. (more about this in later posts). In the meantime though, someone needs to be charged with the responnsiblity.

The ideal candidate is a position ranging in responsiblity from a Senior Manager to Senior Director or equivalent.

From the CEO's perspective, it should be a person who is in succession planning for promotion, because the person leading the team will gain SIGNIFIGANT insight into how the overall operation works.

From the employee's perspective, I know of no other way to learn so much about how your company operates then by developing a BCP plan. As a candidate, you should also be looking for responsiblity to lead a team of people from across your company ranks, nothing will develop your skills better.

More information will follow on how to be an effective leader, which is the essence of a succesful BCP & DR program.

Ken Thomson - 1923 - 2006 A Titan Passes

Ken Thomson, a former close protection client of mine, and the ninth richest man in the world has passed away.

Never have I met a more humble and gracious person. There was not an ounce of pretention in the man. When I first met him I said "Hello Mr Thomson" as I stood outside his home, holding open the rear door to the limosine.

"Call me Ken" he said casually, then asked "is it all right if I just ride upfront with you?".

That's the way he was, he would ask me to stop so he could roll down the window and ask the kids in the neighborhood how they were doing and what was new. He knew their names and what they were up to.

He was and excellent steward of his companies, there was not a detail that would slip past him, but he never micromanaged or interfered with someone doing their job, but he did want people who knew their job working for him.

There are lots of stories I could tell - all of them good by the way. He will be missed.

I have a feeling he is on his way up to heaven, going past the pearly gates, finding a quiet side door, slipping in, and when they see him they will say, "welcome Mr Thomson" and he will say, "Just call me Ken."