The Right-Hand Roadmap
The Right-Hand Roadmap is the only podcast for Seconds-In-Command of founder-led companies. I’m your host Megan Long, an award-winning executive & entrepreneur, pro athlete, and owner of Second First. Together we explore the unique world of being a #2 Leader in entrepreneurial companies. This is the place where we dive into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies that can help you excel in your role. Our mission is clear: to transform the relationships between entrepreneurs and, you, their Second-In-Command. We’ll cover a wide range of topics, from navigating your relationship with the founder to mastering the role through best practice knowledge, tools, and insights you need to thrive in your position. But this podcast isn’t just about learning; it’s also about being part of a community. This role is lonely and often misunderstood - together we’re stronger and supported in ways we can’t find within our companies or at home. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of growth, l...
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Episodes
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Explore the myths of delegation in visionary entrepreneurship and uncover the true role of a second in command in reducing organizational noise and enhancing collaboration.
In this episode we explore the concept of delegation, separating it into two definitions, and discuss what a great Second-In-Command should do to reduce organizational noise and enhance collaboration between the CEO and COO.
Discover the difference between beneficial delegation, focusing on tasks outside your expertise, and the potential pitfalls of task-based delegation. We delve into the crucial distinction between upward and downward communication, emphasizing the proactive role of the second in command in taking ownership of outcomes.
Learn practical strategies for effective upward communication, including scheduling one-on-one sessions to uncover your CEO's concerns, anticipating their needs, and identifying problems, not just tasks. We also share tips on concise communication to avoid overwhelming your CEO with excessive information.
You'll hear all about:
00:51: Challenging the belief that entrepreneurs should "delegate".
01:51: The two definitions of delegation, and which an entrepreneur should never do.
02:27: Exploring Larry Linne's concepts of upward and downward communication.
03:25: Proactive strategies for upward communication and understanding your CEO's concerns and mindset.
04:39: How to effectively share updates with your CEO, and how to balance sharing details to avoid frustration and misinterpretation.
06:01: Tips for successful upward communication, including structuring recurring one-on-one meetings.
06:41: Anticipating your founder's needs and identifying problems, not just tasks.
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If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode.
Links mentioned in the episode:
"Make the Noise Go Away: The Power of an Effective Second-In-Command" by Larry G. Linne
"Rocket Fuel" by Gino Wickman & Mark C. Winters
Second First Free Guide: Four Rules for Effective Communication with Entrepreneurs
Second First Membership
Second First One-on-One Coaching
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Learn the seven types of COO, and receive reflection questions for each type to optimize your role.
In this inaugural episode of "The Right-Hand Roadmap," dive into the influential Harvard Business Review article, "Second in Command: The Misunderstood Role of the Chief Operating Officer." Uncover the intricacies of the COO role and identify seven archetypes that shape the #2 leader in companies. From "Executor" to "Heir Apparent", host Megan Long guides COOs through self-reflection questions, providing actionable insights to optimize their role. Gain clarity on aligning strategy with operations, navigating co-leadership, and addressing potential blind spots in succession planning.
You'll hear all about:
00:49: Exploration of the COO's role in relation to the CEO as an individual and the origin of the seven COO archetypes.
01:55: Practical self-reflection questions for COOs based on their identified archetype.
02:57: Importance of clarity breaks and deep work days for effective leadership.
03:03: How the Executor runs a company to allow the CEO to focus on big-picture strategy.
04:41: Unpacking the Change Agent archetype and its strategic initiatives.
06:16: Insights into the Mentor archetype and its evolving role.
07:19: Understanding the Other Half archetype and its role in complementing the CEO.
08:51: Exploring the dynamics of the Partner archetype in co-leadership scenarios.
10:23: Insightful reflections for the Heir Apparent archetype and the importance of succession planning.
11:32: Discussion on the MVP archetype and key considerations for staying in the role.
Rate, review & follow on Apple Podcasts
If you haven't already done so, follow the podcast to make sure you never miss a value-packed episode.
Links mentioned in the episode:
HBR: Second in Command: The Misunderstood Role of the Chief Operating Officer
"Make the Noise Go Away: The Power of an Effective Second-In-Command" by Larry G. Linne
"Rocket Fuel" by Gino Wickman & Mark C. Winters
Second First Membership
Second First One-on-One Coaching
Second First on Instagram
Second First on LinkedIn
Megan Long on LinkedIn