2 Times 2 is More…
Twice in my business career I have met someone who knew he was Number 2 and wanted to be the best Number 2 around. Today was the second time.
You see, I am an entrepreneur. By definition, I am number one. It just comes with the territory.
The problem is that so many times I have hired folks who really just want to have my position, they never seem to want my responsibilities, just my perceived power. But two times now I have met a person who knows he is Number 2 and he knows the importance of being Number 2.
Entrepreneurs are typically reactive and innovative action-oriented folks who carry a vision and a drive to “climb the highest mountain.” When you talk with them it is usually best to tell them what the “bottom line” is right away. They don’t do well with a long “lead-up” to the problem.
But the down side is that business is full of details. And details have to be handled. Processes and procedures, job descriptions, loan applications, human resource issues, manuals, insurance, work schedules, equipment, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial statements and on and on. All are very detailed.
What the wise entrepreneur needs is a good Number 2. Sometimes these folks are called CFO and sometimes COO but I prefer the moniker Number 2. A discerning Number 2 knows that his or her job is to equip the entrepreneur with everything he or she needs to do their job.
If that equipping means that the Number 2 analyzes the processes and procedures and makes the changes necessary for efficiency and profitability, that is what gets done. If the equipping of the entrepreneur means that the Number 2 cleans up the financials and puts them in generally accepted accounting format, then it gets done.
You see, the one who is really a Number 2 not only takes care of the details but takes joy in seeing the entrepreneur shine as a result. This person has a Servant’s Heart.
Servant leadership is at the core of a professional Number 2. Any entrepreneur who wants to scale the highest peaks in his or her field needs to find the right Number 2. Since I have one extra, I will share with you this jewel.
His name is Steve A. Clayton (stevealanclayton@gmail.com). He knows and is known by trustworthy people who speak only great things about him. His references know his value and they are seasoned bankers and business owners. He has their confidence and I know them to be reputable citizens.
So, if you are ready to take your business to the next level or if you are ready to dress it for sale, Steve will get you there and you will wonder how you ever got along without him. Steve is the personification of the Servant Leader Number 2.
Blessings,
Brenda
