Everyone wants to be the number one, the CEO, the President, the leader. But there’s real power in being number two. While others fight to be at the top, being the trusted deputy or right-hand person can be a smarter path. Let me explain why.
The Power of Being the First Follower
I found a great TED Talk by Derek Sivers that showcases leadership by showing a video of a guy dancing alone at an open-door festival. He looks kind of crazy and geeky. Then one person joins him. This second person joining, the first follower, turns that “crazy dancer” into a leader. Soon, everyone joins in. That’s the hidden power of being the first to follow, you help create the momentum.
The Right-Hand Person Advantage
History shows us many incredible partnerships that changed the world of finance, technology, and Hollywood. Steve Jobs had Tim Cook running the day-to-day work at Apple, turning it into the success we know today. Warren Buffett relied on Charlie Munger’s wisdom for all big decisions at Berkshire Hathaway and to build its global “financial architecture.” Even in fiction, Sherlock Holmes needed Dr. Watson to succeed, showing how a trusted partner makes all the difference.
Why Being Number Two Works
Being number two comes with less stress but can have more impact. When you’re not the top boss, you have more freedom to try new things and make changes without the constant pressure of being in charge. It’s also a great spot for learning; you get to watch and learn from the boss’s wins and mistakes without taking all the risk yourself, and you certainly get less legal exposure.
The number two position lets you build strong relationships throughout the organization. You become the bridge between the boss and everyone else. People often trust you more because you’re not “the boss.” While the leader focuses on the big picture and outside meetings, you can concentrate on making real change happen inside the organization.
The Real Power Player
The real influence often happens behind the scenes. As number two, you get to make important decisions that shape the organization’s future. You maintain the key relationships that keep everything running smoothly. You’re the one who turns big ideas into actual results, and importantly, you can tell the boss the truth when others won’t. This honest feedback is crucial for any organization’s success.
An Example from Land Man
The dynamics of being number two are beautifully portrayed in the series Land Man. The billionaire CEO—the number one—enjoys the perks of power: sitting in boardrooms and flying private jets. But he also pays the price, suffering a heart attack under the immense stress of leadership. Meanwhile, the series protagonist, the number two, deals with the gritty reality of the business, including dangerous negotiations with the Mexican cartel. This contrast highlights the hidden advantages of being the right-hand person—facing challenges head-on while avoiding the ultimate burden of leadership.
What Makes a Great Number Two
Success in this role comes from specific strengths. You need to care more about getting things done than getting credit and visibility. Excellence in execution is crucial; you’re the one who makes sure things actually happen. Understanding people and working well with them is essential, as is the ability to lead without having the official top title. These skills often matter more than being in the spotlight.
Real Examples That Worked
The business world gives us plenty of examples. Tim Cook spent years improving Apple’s operations before becoming CEO. Satya Nadella worked his way through various roles at Microsoft for 22 years, learning every aspect of the business before taking the top job. The success of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream came from two founders who understood their different strengths and worked accordingly. In politics, Dick Cheney showed just how influential a Vice President could be, while Alexander Hamilton achieved more lasting impact as Treasury Secretary than many presidents did in the top role.
Want to Learn More? Read These:
If you want to understand this better, start with Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal. It shows how modern organizations succeed when power is shared across the team. Good to Great by Jim Collins explains why humble but determined leaders often achieve the best results. And Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt shares valuable stories about Bill Campbell, who coached the leaders of companies like Apple and Google.
The Bottom Line
In today’s world, everyone fights to be number one, while often the most powerful achieves are the silent and invisible ones. But being number two can be the smarter move. You can make real change happen without all the pressure of being at the top. Sometimes, the best position isn’t in the spotlight—it’s right next to it, where you can focus on getting things done and building strong relationships.
My Personal Take
As an Italian immigrant to the United States, I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to succeed isn’t always the most traditional way. Being number two lets you learn the system, build trust, and make real impact while others fight for the spotlight. It’s a smart way to grow and succeed in any organization. Remember: The boss might get the credit, but number two gets the job done. And often, that’s where the real satisfaction lies.