Getting rival while absent
Acknowledge that nature always abhors a vacuum. Be absent for the shortest period possible. Keep an eye on the changes during your maternity leave, project placement, and sabbatical. Make sure your internal network is up and running. Put passwords on your crucial files; see whether anyone intends to use them. Correspond frequently, stay in the loop. Visit your workplace, maintain in-person connection with colleagues, and even more importantly, power figures. Let your absence be felt by your rival(s).