---
title: "No single point of failure"
description: "Make sure no function depends on one person."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/no-single-point-of-failure/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# No single point of failure

> Make sure no function depends on one person.

Matt Mochary's framework, from The Great CEO Within, pp. 20 to 30.

Framework 8 of 15 from [The Great CEO Within](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/index.md) by Matt Mochary. Category: Systems and operations.

## The steps

1. **Write down all processes.** Document a process the second time you do it and put it in the wiki.
2. **Cross-train a second person.** Map each AOR to a backup who co-works with the primary until they can do the role.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Chapter 14: Conflict Resolution, pp. 20–30

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/no-single-point-of-failure.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/no-single-point-of-failure-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/no-single-point-of-failure.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/no-single-point-of-failure-dark.png