A data center manager is planning for disaster recovery. What key element should the manager first gain that is critical to success?

Leadership support is critical to the success of disaster recovery planning for several reasons. First, having the endorsement and backing of leadership ensures that the necessary resources, both financial and human, are allocated to the disaster recovery initiative. This support can facilitate collaboration across departments and ensure that various stakeholders are aligned with the goals of the disaster recovery plan.

Additionally, leadership support can be a driving force in fostering a culture of resilience within the organization. When executives prioritize disaster recovery, it signals to all employees the importance of preparedness and compliance with the established protocols. Moreover, strong leadership can help to quickly address any issues that arise during the planning or implementation phases, facilitating timely decision-making and adherence to the recovery strategy.

In disaster recovery planning, while aspects such as staff resources, testing activities, and metrics are important, they often hinge on having the backing of leadership. Without leadership support, initiatives may lack direction, commitment, and the necessary prioritization, ultimately jeopardizing the effectiveness of the disaster recovery strategy.