Single point of failure. Are you one?

Are you a single point of failure? Many people associate single points of failure (SPOF) with technology, but humans can be SPOFs too. The one life event that is guaranteed to occur when you are born is you will die. 

If you aren't working yourself out of your position, whether in the family unit or corporate organizations, you are setting people up for redundant work, frustration, and you are not fulfilling your DASH.

Whether someone takes time off from work, physically or mentally checks out, or simply takes a break from the family unit, someone always gets stuck. So start today...whether it is a personal diary with how the things work around the house and instructions on how to access the information once you are absent or if you make yourself holier than thou on the two way rifle range leave some tidbit of the treasure trove of your skills, knowledge, and abilities for someone to come along and keep the battle rhythm in sync. Adapt, implement, and overcome only goes so far when you have to continuously pick up the slack.

Take some time, do a self assessment, and leave the information for others who will replace you. If you don't like to write or type, make a video. Knowledge hoarding does not equal job security and when you pass don't leave additional "stuff to do"  for those you leave behind, they are already emotionally drained adjusting to loss of life. Assess the scenario, whether personal or professional as the the story of the Blind Men and an Elephant, then become one part of the resolution.

When an adult child returns home...

OK...you hear the stats...more adult children living at home or returning home after life changing events.  So while I was off in NC enjoying my empty nest status and working on my research for the dissertation phase of my doctoral program...events happened. I am thankful to the US Army that taught me to AIO - Adapt, Implement, and Overcome. 


Got it...I am one of many members of the sandwich generation who are responsible for taking in, caring for, supporting in one form or another a parent and an adult child...who has a child.


I know as I returned to Georgia my family was waiting on the hammer to drop...but I took it a step at a time...give it 30 days, assess and analyze the situation, provide some solutions, pray, and continue to move forward.


So one of the recommendations was to develop a family contract. Most people who know me know that I do not have a problem developing or enforcing a standard. So here is the ed techie portion of the blog...a Google Doc with a modifiable family contract.This may or may not be new to many parents and even adult children...but life is full of learning opportunities and teachable moments for all parties involved. If you have some recommendations, think I created an unreasonable document...leave a comment...after all it is the Internet and someone you know may have been or may be going through this type of situation. You can scroll through the embedded Google Doc below or go straight the Google Docs template, create a copy and modify for your situation.

As with the Google Doc, the disclaimer states the doc is not a legal document, just a documented family agreement. As with all posts, your comments, recommendations, or even checking one of the reaction boxes is appreciated.