Trigger Question #175:
Singer and songwriter Joe Jackson wrote a song beginning with, “Won’t you be my number two? Me and number one are through.”
Romantically, this makes sense, but not in business. In business, the CEO is always number one, and would be wise never to admit to being through with number one. However, the CEO always needs a number two. But whether the CEO is wise enough to know that is another story.
Many years ago, I advised the top two people in a company. They were opposites. Supposedly, opposites attract. But in business, not so much. Business teams don’t willingly embrace diversity. Team members prefer other team members to be made in their image. (You don’t agree? Then look around your office and tell me I’m wrong.)
Physically, these two executives differed in only one respect. Height. The CEO was very tall, and his number two not so much. But below the surface? The longer you interacted with them, the more you noticed their differences. And yet, these two were successful because they understood the purpose of differences at work. They recognized that what set them apart made them great together.
If your number two is a yes-mouth, then you will always agree. That means you will not be competing with each other. But the risk is that you won’t be competing successfully where it matters. Out there.
Your number two should complement you, not compliment you. Actually, your number two should complete you by filling in your gaps and counteracting your weaknesses. So, get someone who balances you with opposites and who speaks up against you when it’s essential that someone does so.
Without the right number two, you won’t be number one for long. Because at the top, without two, one is zero.
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“Opposites attract, but only if you both are magnets.” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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