Like millions of people across the globe, we watched the recent events on Capitol Hill with extreme shock and horror. As we witnessed the desecration of our country’s Capitol, we listened to lawmakers such as Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger calling on the Vice President to invoke the 25th Amendment, which would declare the President no longer capable of fulfilling his duties and install the Vice President as Commander-in-Chief.
2iC is British military shorthand that refers to a person who is second-in-command, and who may potentially be required to usurp the power of the executive when the executive is fundamentally damaging the integrity of the firm. While the 25th Amendment can be used momentarily – such as when the President undergoes surgery and is temporarily incapacitated – its true purpose is intended for when there is ongoing evidence of the Executive’s inability to lead. A mass exodus of employees, gross financial mismanagement, sexual harassment and assault, and other instances of misconduct are all signals that the 2iC must act boldly to restore the integrity and safety of the organization and the mission for which it stands.
Looking back on history, we see an extraordinary example of this in King George VI (as seen in the film The King’s Speech). George VI was the great-grandson of Queen Victoria and the second son of King George V. Because he was second-born, he was never meant (nor did he wish) to inherit the throne of the British Empire, and spent much of his life in the shadow and as a confidant to his elder brother, Edward VIII. In 1936, when Edward abdicated his leadership responsibilities on the heels of the growing threat of another world war, it was George who had to courageously step in and step up for the sake of Britain’s people. This week, Vice President Pence also had to step up to protect the integrity of our institution and constitution.
Canadian entrepreneurs have also embraced the concept of a 2iC, recognizing the importance of choosing the correct deputy in command. One article describes the traits of a successful deputy as someone who is braver, more experienced, humbler, and possesses a stronger command of the details than the executive.
The leadership lesson of our current historical moment is not merely one of experience, but of bravery and integrity to truth. During a crisis of poor leadership, a 2iC must act quickly to do something that may be unprecedented, especially when not doing so may lead to a lack of protection for the employees and/or the organization. Asking an executive to step aside requires courage and an unwavering commitment to the reality of the situation. Leaders who are invested in the integrity of their companies should look for these traits in their 2iCs.
For those CEOs fortunate enough to hold the highest seat in their respective organizations, it is essential that you exercise discernment in selecting your 2iC. Loyalty doesn’t always mean uniformity, and should never be mistaken for blind obedience. Look for someone who can compliment your leadership style, but isn’t afraid to challenge it when required. Your 2iC should help uncover your blind spots, and be empowered to act as your truth-teller in ways that others cannot. Together, you can lead your organization through any external pressures or internal crises that may come your way.
