It's the little things that can make or break a career—and it often comes down to risk management, or the lack of it.

Who would have thought that a snow storm could cast such a shadow over the career of Washington , D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty? But when a storm dumps 22 inches on a city—the nation's capital no less—that is not accustomed to such numbers, a good snow removal plan is critical. It appears, however, that the mayor didn't adequately check into that aspect of D.C.'s preparedness before the snowfall.

As risk managers know, it's the simple, most obvious things that are the easiest to overlook. For example, are there enough trucks? Are those trucks equipped to handle 22 inches of show? Are there enough drivers lined up to work around the clock—for days if necessary? Is there enough salt and salting equipment? Are the streets cordoned off so that they all get plowed?