Which One Are You: First or Second-in-Command?
The following came about from a client telling me they believe they are a perfect second-in-command and can handle the details of a project very well.
Not aspiring to be in the top spot, Suzanne Davis became the vice-president of the company she now works in. She worked her way up the ladder to become president. After three years, Suzanne was appointed CEO. This was not what she expected or wanted as to making the big decisions for a multi-million-dollar global company. Yet the leader is typically viewed as having the “big picture”. For years, Suzanne has been the detail-oriented person for the company.
How many times have you heard that you need to get the big picture? Or that you feel like you didn’t have the big picture? Hearing these repeated makes you think which way do I lean: Big Picture or Detail Oriented. Being in a top executive position in an organization put you in one of two roles. The CEO or Second-in-Command. Both have a place within the organization and they have differences as well. Some people yearn for the top spot and others may prefer to not be in charge yet like the feel of being in the upper echelon in a lead position.
“A leader is one who sees more than others see, who sees farther than others see, and who sees before others see.” —Leroy Eimes
Different people within the same organization bring different experiences, assumptions, values, beliefs, and habits to their work. Great bosses get applauded, but an able No. 2 doesn’t get much attention.
“A second-in command is someone who is next in rank to the leaders of a group, and who has the authority to give orders when the leader is not there.” (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/second-in-command). Being second in command need not be a step down. Most seconds know that underneath it all, if you are called on to take command from the top, so be it. CEO’s often get the credit for the success of the business, while second-in-command people work behind the scenes making sure the detail work is completed within the tasks needed to be done. For one reason or another, those who are second want to stay there so decisions, strategies, and everything else is decided on by someone else.
There are many people who prefer being second-in-command instead of in the top spot. A second-in-command can be the most important person in your organization. The second-in-command is usually the president or COO (chief operations officer) is more detail-oriented. Too often people have the mentality that second place means second class. A second-in-command can be the most important person in your organization.
“If you’re not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it’s almost certain you’re not reaching your potential as a leader.” –Seth Godin
Typically, the CEO is the picture person who has the vision and the direction to navigate where to take the company. Seeing results you want from the plan you have has the second-in-command work out the details to smooth everything out. Many people fit at both ends and some do fit right in between as being both a big picture and a detail-oriented person. In most respects, one person is usually the one who generates the ideas and the other person(s) work out the details of a project.
“The big picture doesn’t just come from distance; it also comes from time.” –Simon Sinek
Big picture thinking is the way a person looks at problems, opportunities and situations. A big picture person often likes to brainstorm and come up with many ideas. They are idea generators, often thinking of huge changes, large projects and substantial opportunities to create new business.
An extraordinary leader is a visionary. You think big and picture what you want in your minds-eye with clarity and purpose. Then share these visions and plans with others in order to move and inspire them to take action with one common purpose and cause. Getting your people engaged in the big picture is a must. Then how do you get them to work out the details of the project you have in mind?
Attention to detail is often misunderstood in business. Being detailed oriented doesn’t mean you are without broad. Many managers and leaders are not detail focused. Attention to detail is not all about spelling or grammar. It simply means getting the small things right. Many people may look past these issues.
Most people occupying the position of second-in-command make the mistake of thinking that all they have to do is run the company well. In reality, your success as a second-in-command – regardless of whether your title is president, COO or head of operations – depends on your ability to accomplish two essential tasks: managing the business and managing your relationship with your boss.
Unlike the CEO, a second-in-command has to manage both up and down, which makes it an extremely challenging position. Obviously, you have to handle the day-to-day operations of the company; that’s inherent in your position. But as second-in-command you also have to assume responsibility for managing your relationship with the CEO, because you have more at stake. He can fire you but you cannot fire him.
“I failed in some subjects in exams, but my friend passed in all. Now he is an engineer in Microsoft and I am the owner of Microsoft.”
– Bill Gates
Thinking big picture is the process of stretching, extending your thinking far beyond the immediate day-to-day needs of your business.
Being Thrown a Curved Ball
There may be times when the CEO wants to change the big picture. The second-in-command needs to be prepared for these situations to occur. With this in mind, the second-in-command may need to prepare for the unexpected such as being put in the CEO seat. These situations are usually when the CEO is on vacation, possibly has an illness, or resigns or dies.
Depending on where you sit in an organization you may believe that you lack the knowledge or insight to properly frame, let alone determine, the big picture.
“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” – John Wooden