603 | How to handle team members you view as "I can't do this without them"

The Chris LoCurto Show

Today, we’re tackling a critical leadership topic: how to build a business that thrives without being overly reliant on key individuals. If you’ve ever thought, “I can’t do this without them,” this post is for you.
The “I Can’t Do It Without Them” Mindset - 00:02:05
Many business leaders feel their business hinges on a few key people—top performers or long-time employees. While it’s great to have strong contributors, relying too much on them creates vulnerabilities. The difference between not wanting to do business without someone and feeling like you can’t is significant. The latter causes stress, fear, and bottlenecks.
The Fragility of a Business Built on Key People - 00:04:02
Over-reliance on key individuals creates bottlenecks, limits scalability, and risks burnout or turnover. If you’d feel your business couldn’t survive without a few people, it’s time to rethink how you operate. A resilient business distributes responsibilities and ensures no single person holds all the power.
Red Flags of Control Freaks and Manipulators - 00:15:43
Some team members position themselves as indispensable by avoiding delegation, hoarding knowledge, or resisting cross-training. Watch for these behaviors:

• Refusing Delegation: “No one else can do it as well as I can.”
• Withholding Information: Making it hard for others to access key knowledge.
• Overemphasizing Contributions: Constantly highlighting their importance to the business.
• Discouraging Cross-Training: Resisting redundancy to protect their perceived value.

View Your Business as a System - 00:23:06
Think of your business as a system with interconnected processes. Ask yourself: “Are our processes well-documented? Can someone step in seamlessly if needed?” This systems-based approach creates resilience and reduces dependency on individuals.
Actionable Steps for Leaders - 00:25:04

• Document processes, especially for key roles.
• Cross-train team members to cover each other’s responsibilities.
• Foster transparency and collaboration.
• Objectively evaluate contributions based on results, not perceptions.
• Address resistance to change boldly and directly.

Avoid the Panic of Losing Top Performers - 00:28:05
Standardizing processes and cross-training doesn’t devalue key team members—it protects your business. It also empowers your entire team to grow and contribute more effectively.
Join Us at Next-Level Leadership LIVE 2025! - 00:31:24
Does your business feel overly dependent on key people? Join us April 2–4, 2025, for Next-Level Leadership LIVE, a transformative three-day event designed to help you lead smarter and build a business that runs smoothly without being overly dependent on any single individual.
Registration opens December 2.
Visit ChrisLoCurto.com/liveevents to secure your spot. Don’t wait—this event could be the game-changer your business needs.
Additional Resources - 00:35:57
Listen to Episode 330, How to Lead an Uncoachable Team Member, to learn how to navigate tough conversations and lead with clarity.