As we watch presidential politics and Kamala Harris select her #2 this week, I’m thinking about what we can glean and apply to the world of executive leadership.  Whether you’re a CEO searching for a COO, or a senior executive in need of a Chief of Staff or Deputy, a few observations:

• The bigger and more impactful the role, the more important and deeper the vetting
• Having a keen understanding of where you excel and where you don’t is essential, as is selecting someone who not only balances and complements that portrait, but wants to
• There are layers of competencies for a big role, some of those are technical and require superlative knowledge, and many others are non-technical but key to successfully leading
• Keep in mind that a #2’s ambition must be great enough to have propelled them to interviewing with you in the first place but not so grand that it will overshadow their contentedness with being #2 and supporting your success and the organization’s

For more on how to have me in your corner as a trusted guide and executive coach, go here to learn about the different ways we can work together individually and with your senior leadership team.  And go here for one of my most accessible and popular offerings for leaders who want vital strategic coaching that’s also light on your calendar.

To reserve your seat at the Magnificent Leadership® Annual Live Event in Raleigh on October 17+18, where we’ll be talking about top-of-mind topics like leading through an election year, go here to register.  This is an immersive business leadership experience that many attendees return for each year where there are small group working sessions, outstanding speakers, and leadership conversations behind closed doors that you won’t find anywhere else.  2 seats remain.

Questions?  You can reach me here.  I answer all communication personally.