1.)Maintain a positive relationship with Steve Jobs: No matter what happens, that's an important part of his job. Because if he doesn't do that, it's not going to work. If he comes across as trying to put him down, or doing anything negative, he can only lose. So job one is maintaining a positive rapport with him.
2.)Maintain a positive relationship with the board.
3.)Have a contingency plan.
4.)Look in the mirror. Figure out what you can do with Steve Jobs helping you and what you can't do without Steve Jobs and start working immediately for all contingencies.
That's four. Let's say the worst happens, and Jobs doesn't come back. What does Apple need to do then?...