Personal Introduction
From 2008 to 2014, I worked closely with Prakash Parab at Dulsco in Waste Management: first as a customer, later as a colleague in the role of Commercial Director, and subsequently as a senior-level freelance consultant. The article series introduced here, however, deals with the staffing business. Chapter 14 addresses the safeguarding of key leadership functions.
Summary of the Original
Prakash Parab describes the risk when crucial customer relationships, processes, or financial information reside exclusively with individual people. His approach begins by explicitly identifying business-critical functions.
For these roles, he recommends two potential successors at different stages of development. Readiness for deployment should be evidenced by actually assumed responsibility. Decision-making authority and required access also belong in the planning.
The development of future leaders takes place, according to Parab's recommendation, through demanding practical tasks with support and subsequent evaluation. Regular reviews and a prepared emergency handover complement the long-term succession planning.
Jan Wilhelm's Own Practical Assessment
For service companies, the practical question is: Who can take over tomorrow if a key person unexpectedly drops out?
A fictitious example: Only one commercial manager knows the open customer disputes and the next payment dates. During an unplanned absence, the team lacks up-to-date information and clear approval paths.
A compact deputy plan creates orientation: Which tasks must continue? Who decides within what limits? Where are the current work statuses and important contacts? Access rights should be set up on a person-specific and controlled basis.
Whether in Hamburg, Munich, or Dubai: A deputy only works reliably when they have already practically tested the process.
ELB Services supports you in documenting key commercial processes, preparing handovers, and designing responsibilities so that your daily business remains operational.
Original article by Prakash Parab:
Succession Planning: Building Your Next Layer of Leaders
Website and series overview:
www.prakashparab.com
Original read on November 1, 2026. Independent editorial summary and recommendation by Jan Wilhelm; no authorized translation or joint publication.