Who's your 2IC? The power of having someone to lean on

In over two decades of running a business, and nearly as long serving in the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, I've learned that no matter how capable you are, having someone to fall back on is crucial for success and sanity alike.

Today, I want to talk about a fire service concept that's equally valuable in business: the 2IC, or Second-in-Command.

Why This Matters to You

If you're like most business owners I work with, you're carrying a heavy load. The weight of decisions, the constant problem-solving, and the relentless pace can be exhausting. And when you're the one everyone else turns to, where do you turn when you need support?

This isn't just about delegation (though that's important). It's about having someone who understands your vision, can step in when needed, and provides that critical sounding board when you're faced with tough choices.

Why Most People Struggle With This

Here's an uncomfortable fact: many business owners resist developing a strong 2IC because they believe no one else can truly understand their business or make decisions as well as they can.

Sound familiar?

Perhaps you've tried to develop someone before, but they didn't meet your expectations. Or maybe you're concerned that giving someone else too much responsibility risks them taking your clients or competing with you someday.

These fears are natural, but they keep you trapped in a business that can't function without you - and that's both exhausting and limiting for your future.

The Secret to Building a Strong Support System

In the fire service, the relationship between a Watch Commander and their 2IC is vital. When we're facing dangerous situations, there's simply no time for confusion or second-guessing. Lives depend on clarity and trust.

While the stakes might seem different in business, the principles remain the same. A strong 2IC isn't just someone who follows orders - they're someone who:

- Understands your vision and values deeply enough to make decisions aligned with them

- Complements your weaknesses with their strengths

- Has the confidence to speak up when they see problems or opportunities

- Can operate independently when you're not available

This kind of relationship doesn't happen overnight. It requires intentional development, clear communication, and a willingness to gradually hand over more responsibility.

How to Develop Your Business 2IC

Start by identifying someone with potential - whether that's a current team member or someone you need to bring into the business.

Look for alignment in values first, as skills can be taught but value alignment is fundamental.

Next, involve them in your thinking process. Don't just tell them what to do - explain why you're making certain decisions. This helps them understand your reasoning and builds their decision-making muscles.

Gradually increase their responsibilities, starting with lower-risk areas where mistakes won't be catastrophic. Give them the space to try approaches that might differ from yours - sometimes they'll find better ways of doing things!

Create regular feedback loops. In the fire service, we debrief after every incident. In business, make time to review decisions and outcomes together, focusing on learning rather than blame.

Most importantly, be patient. Building a strong 2IC takes time and investment, but the payoff is enormous.

Why This Benefits Everyone

Having a strong 2IC doesn't just make your life easier (though it certainly does that). It also:

- Creates growth opportunities for your team members

- Makes your business more resilient when unexpected events occur

- Allows you to focus on the areas where you add the most value

- Creates the option for you to step away occasionally without everything falling apart

- Significantly increases your business's value if you ever decide to sell

In my own business journey, developing strong second-in-commands was crucial to my eventual 7-figure exit. Buyers want to see that the business isn't dependent on you alone.

Takeaways for Building Your Support System

Take a moment to reflect on where you stand right now. Do you have someone who could step in if you were suddenly unavailable? Is there someone on your team who understands not just what you do, but why and how you do it?

If not, start small.

Identify one area of your business where you could begin developing someone. Document your thinking process, not just the procedures. Share the context behind decisions, not just the decisions themselves.

Remember, this isn't about finding your clone - it's about finding someone whose strengths complement yours, who shares your values, and who can grow into a trusted partner.

One of my clients once told me that developing his 2IC was the single most liberating thing he'd done in ten years of business. It allowed him to take his first two-week holiday without checking emails, and upon his return, he found some problems had been solved better than if he'd been there himself.

That's the power of having someone to lean on - in good times and bad.

That's all for this week!

Take a few minutes to consider who might have the potential to become your trusted 2IC, or how you can further develop someone who's already on that path.