“Graveyards are full of indispensable people.”

True, but in startup world, some people truly can’t be done without.

A startup is simply too small to support redundancy for key technical or sales skills.

Indispensable people are inevitable. Give them equity.

But sometimes “indispensable” is confused with “dangerous.”

Your business can survive without the person, but if she decides to  be vindictive she can destroy you.

She can steal your clients. Sabotage your product. Smear your reputation.

She’s not indispensable.

She’s dangerous.

Make sure you know the difference.

You cannot do without indispensable people.

Your can do without dangerous people.