How to be Second
In this book, we explore the unique identity and qualifications required to be second, the incredible need for someone to fill the role, and the idea that being second is not a stepping stone, it’s a destination.
Stay in the know!
And even help us write it!
We’re focused on writing this book backed by real data; information gathered from dozens of longform structured interviews, reviewing as much information on the topic as possible, and even sourcing questions from our email list community.
We’ve completed over 30 hour-long interviews so far, and we’re attempting to do micro-interviews with at least 50 more leaders in orgs of all sizes, to gain a broad perspective on this idea, so we can deliver a manual that deserves to be referred to as the go-to book for understanding what a 2iC does, how to find them, and perhaps most importantly, the IDENTITY of those who are naturally a 2iC.
About the book
Visionary leaders meet success when backed by a team… but teams need more than the dreaming power of a Visionary.
Some of the most successful teams have someone who translates the dreams into reality, but that person often lives in the shadow of the visionary.
In How to be Second, we talk with leaders about how stuff gets done in organizations, and explore the role of the Second in Command.
It turns out that being second requires a rare, invaluable set of talents and resources, including the desire to be in the seat.
In this book, we look at the unique identity and qualifications required to be second, the incredible need for someone to fill the role, and the idea that being second is not a stepping stone, it is a destination.
Nathan Young
Hey, it’s Nathan. I have served as the Integrator, General Manager, and COO to multiple companies, both full time and fractional.
Now, I serve as Author and Founder of How to be Second, where I help Seconds understand who they are, how that’s valuable, and how to own that for themselves with community, education, and tools.
David Hartman, Ph.D. NCC
I am a designer that specializes in solutions to education and social innovation challenges. A born facilitator and storyteller, I love collaborating with people from diverse educational and employment backgrounds to synthesize viewpoints and to create solutions. I have worked in higher education, training, and program design for over a decade.