I just received shocking news last night from my CEO that my boss passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. I've been with him for nearly 20 years, and I'm obviously feeling quite distraught. While I think I have most of the technical stuff under control—like backups and logins since I handle those—I want to create a checklist of things I need to do now. Here's what I have so far:
* Change logins
* Secure Email
* Secure files
* Secure workstation
* Secure credit card
* Inform Vendors
If there's anything I might be missing, I'd appreciate any thoughts. Just to clarify, we were a department of two, so now everything he used to handle falls on me.
5 Answers
Take a moment for yourself and process everything. Don't rush into anything outside your usual responsibilities without checking with higher-ups first. Maybe speak to his boss about who should have access to his mailbox first before proceeding. Just remember, it's okay to feel what you're feeling right now. No need to jump into action immediately.
Exactly! As someone who's dealt with something similar, it's important to acknowledge your emotions while managing the necessary tasks.
Have you thought about getting his contacts from his phone or Outlook? Also, check if any two-factor authentication was attached to his phone, just to be safe.
Good point! That could include things like passwords or accounts that only he had access to.
I'm really sorry for what you're going through. Focus on the urgent tasks, but take some time to reflect on your boss. Remember, the work will still be there tomorrow. It’s okay to grieve.
First off, my condolences. Take the time you need to process this loss. Beyond that, you'll need to figure out what tasks and responsibilities he was handling right now—like any recruitment, project deadlines, or budget-related matters. It’s going to be challenging, but it sounds like you’re on top of things.
You should also check if there are any ongoing contracts with third-party suppliers that your boss had his name on. Staying organized will really help, especially if you document everything you know.
Also, if you haven’t already, make sure you have access to any admin panels or functions he controlled. Confirm with the CEO about your role for the time being and how far you should go with securing access.