Second-in-Command (2iC), First in Excellence

Why do some departments, divisions, and organizations soar while others struggle? Watching another team achieve the success you feel yours more rightfully deserves can be incredibly frustrating. However, they might have something you don’t: Seconds-in-Command.

Given how many Seconds-in-Command exist in the workforce, it is stunning that there are so few books about them. Organizations can and often do have more than one 2iC; large ones may have hundreds. KP Powers focuses on essential skills that individuals in these positions already possess and can enhance to become an organization’s key to achieving phenomenal success.

This book introduces the groundbreaking concept of linking multiple 2iCs to form a Second-in-Command chain. This game-changing technique increases the positive impact that 2iCs can have on organizational and leader success.

In today’s world, leaders no longer have the luxury of hiring more people to keep up with a growing workload. The labor shortage and the need to cut costs because of looming economic issues make that impractical. It makes more sense to consider a new organizational framework that includes 2iCs, thus multiplying existing team members’ contributions. This is especially critical in highly regulated fields such as higher education, finance, and health care, where the stakes and penalties are high and unforgiving.

Second-in-Command, First in Excellence invites readers to think differently about this critical role. Geared toward leaders who have or want a 2iC as well as 2iCs themselves, this book both demonstrates the value of the 2iC position and serves as a tool for professional development.

KP Powers, PhD, is an international author, trainer, and mentor. As a data expert, KP helps leaders combine and leverage their greatest assets―people and data―for success.

Throughout her career and consulting engagements, KP has held positions that combined the duties of Second-in-Command and Chief Data Officer. In these roles, Dr. Powers brings together people, data, and information to help leaders deliver value to their customers, clients, and students through her strategic thinking and implementation expertise.

She uses her experience as a 2iC and her knowledge of data to help ambitious leaders build healthy data cultures, deliver value, and navigate disruption. KP’s contributions on several boards have recognized her as a strategic thinker and leader. Learn more at KPPowers.com

Dr. Powers also is the President of the Institute for Effectiveness in Higher Education (IEHE)―an organization that elevates forward thinking to accelerate colleges and universities. In this role, she founded and launched the Accreditation Liaison Collaborative. Created by accreditation liaisons for accreditation liaisons, the Accreditation Liaison Collaborative provides a national resource to support Accreditation Liaisons throughout the country with professional development, access to materials that improve the quality of an institution’s accreditation materials, and networks with other Accreditation Liaisons who have blazed trails. Learn more about IEHE at InstituteForEffectiveness.org

Originally from Buffalo, New York, KP has lived in five states (New York, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and California) and Washington, DC. She currently resides in San Diego, CA, with her husband, Tim, enjoying the warm weather, organic and gluten-free food, and as much travel as her schedule will allow.

You can connect with KP on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. If you would like to talk to KP about any advisory work, training, or mentoring, then you can contact her at KP@KPPowers.com