Being in a number two chair position is a unique calling. It requires a different set of skills and perspectives compared to being a visionary leader. Hillary shares her personal experience of feeling different and often in tension with other leaders due to her unique thought processes and strategic thinking. However, she discovered that being a number two leader is a gift and a strategic role in any organization.
Number two leaders are often integrators who carry the vision created by the visionary leader. They excel in strategic thinking, asking critical questions, and balancing various aspects of the organization. Hillary emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of being a number two leader and embracing the unique calling.
Tips for Success as a Number Two Leader
Build a Trustworthy Relationship with Your Boss
Building a trustworthy relationship with your boss is crucial as a number two leader. Trust is the foundation for effective collaboration and communication. Hillary emphasizes the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and respect in this relationship. Taking the time to understand your boss’s communication style and preferences can help foster trust and open dialogue.
Clarity is Key
As a number two leader, having clarity about your role and responsibilities is essential. Clear boundaries and job descriptions prevent overstepping boundaries and help you focus on your specific tasks. Hillary highlights the importance of asking clarifying questions to ensure that you understand your boss’s expectations and priorities.
Lead with Curiosity
Leading with curiosity is a valuable approach for number two leaders. Recognizing the differences between visionary and integrator thinking, Hillary encourages number two leaders to ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of their boss’s perspective. Leading with curiosity helps build trust, resolves tensions, and promotes effective collaboration.
Avoid being a dream killer as a number two leader.
Don’t Be a Dream Killer
Avoid being a dream killer as a number two leader. While integrators tend to focus on practicality and implementation, Hillary highlights the importance of allowing Visionaries to dream freely. Understanding when to ask questions and when to support and encourage visionary thinking is vital. Balancing practicality with the visionary’s dreams and ideas enables successful collaboration.
Tips for Number One Leaders
Recognize the Value of Number Two Leaders
Number two leaders play a vital role in the success of the organization. They bring unique perspectives and skills that complement the visionary leader. Number one leaders should acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of their number two leaders. Celebrating their achievements publicly and specifically enhances their motivation and sense of purpose.
Speak Your Vision Clearly
As a number one leader, it is crucial to communicate your vision clearly to your number two leaders. They are there to help make your dreams a reality, but they need a clear understanding of your vision to effectively contribute. Providing specific details and parameters allows them to align their efforts with your vision.
Learn to Let Go
Learning to let go of certain responsibilities and trusting your number two leaders is essential for growth. Delegating tasks and empowering number two leaders to take ownership not only relieves your workload but also allows them to develop their skills and contribute to the organization’s success.
Number two leaders often work behind the scenes and receive little recognition.
Celebrate Your Number Twos
Number two leaders often work behind the scenes and receive little recognition. Number one leaders should celebrate their number two leaders publicly and specifically. Acknowledging their contributions and sacrifices demonstrates appreciation and strengthens the bond between leaders.
Being a number two leader is a unique and valuable calling. Number two leaders bring strategic thinking, implementation skills, and the ability to support and complement visionary leaders. By building trustworthy relationships, fostering clarity, leading with curiosity, and embracing the unique role, number two leaders can thrive and contribute to the organization’s success. Number one leaders play a crucial role in supporting and empowering their number two leaders, recognizing their value, communicating their vision clearly, and celebrating their achievements.
To learn more about the role of number two leaders, you can check out the following resources:
- “Rocket Fuel” by Gino Wickman and Mark Winters
- “Leading from the Second Chair” by Mike Bonham and Roger Patterson
- “Leading Second” podcast by Brandon Stewart
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Hillary Lappo received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and has been in full time ministry for over 15 years with the focus of helping leaders make their vision become reality. She currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Vintage Faith Foursquare in Los Angeles, CA.
