Every Successful Second in Command Has These 3 Attributes

One of the key positions in any company is the Second in Command. This critical, strategic position is charged with executing the Visionary’s big picture ideas. 

Second in Command Defined

The person holding the Second in Command position, or 2iC, is an executive-level role that complements the Visionary. They are the glue that holds together the Visionary’s dreams and the team who makes those dreams happen. 

The 2iC carries out the business plan, holds the team accountable, and is the filter and interpreter of the Visionary’s ideas.

The relationship between a Visionary and the 2iC is vitally important. The 2iC understands the goals and is charged with thinking strategically, managing confidently, and aligning goals with the company’s culture and core values.

Keys Attributes to Success

We’ve interviewed and helped to successfully hire hundreds of 2iCs for our clients’ open positions. During those interviews and subsequent hires, we’ve heard about and witnessed several good qualities that those 2iCs have. 

The three most consistently held attributes of successful 2iCs are: 

Key attribute #1: Acuity

Acuity is the ability to see, hear, or understand concepts easily. Juggling the many duties of the 2iC role requires someone with a sharp mind, a good memory, and the ability to focus on the tasks at hand.

Key attribute #2: Organizational skills

With many priorities and duties to perform, a successful 2iC has impeccable organizational skills. They can understand project deadlines and use their time, energy, and mental capacity to achieve the Visionary’s goals.

Key attribute #3: Orientation toward process and structure

A successful 2iC has the skill set to rise above all the moving parts, take a high-level view of the company, and establish processes and structure to meet the Visionary’s goals. This involves reducing complexity, creating accountability, and systemizing, simplifying, and applying technology to the company’s processes, all while remaining consistent.

How we help

As a Pinnacle partner, we understand the significance of the 2iC  role. We work with you to identify the person you need, who will align with your culture and Core Values, and who has the right qualities, skills, and characteristics to complement your Visionary. 

We cast a wide net—often attracting 300 candidates—for your position. Then we vet candidates using an assessment tool with an 80-95% validity and high reliability for predicting future job performance. The most promising candidates are selected for behavioral interviewing. 

Afterward, you will be given a choice of highly qualified Superstar candidates, each presented with their strengths and weaknesses. With no bad options, you are free to choose your 2iC with confidence.

If you have questions about the role of a 2iC, how to hire one, or would like to learn more about our process, please contact us. We know first-hand the impact a 2iC has on your company and are committed to helping you find the right partner for your Visionary.