The Pivotal Role of the Second in Command with Desiree Bouchard

Jeffrey Scott is joined by client Desiree Bouchard, General Manager of Great Lakes Landscape Design, in Oak Park Michigan. And by Sean Baxter, owner of Lawn and Landscape Solutions (KC) and he is also an Executive Coach at Jeffrey Scott Consulting.

In this episode, Jeffrey Scott discusses the pivotal role of seconds in command with Desiree and Sean. They explore the journey of becoming a second in command, the importance of trust and communication in leadership, and the dynamics of managing teams effectively. Desiree shares her experience transitioning from marketing to integrator, while Sean reflects on his own journey with his second in command. The conversation emphasizes the significance of having a clean plate for effective leadership and the collaborative nature of successful business operations. In this conversation, the participants discuss the importance of trust and honesty in leadership, the challenges of implementing structured systems like EOS, and the cultural shifts that occur when new leadership is introduced. They emphasize the value of peer group support for second-in-commands and the need for accountability in leadership roles. The discussion culminates in practical advice for both second-in-commands and CEOs on fostering effective working relationships and empowering team members.

Takeaways:

• Desiree has been in her role for about seven years.
• The transition to integrator involved building trust with her boss Ivan.
• Implementing EOS provided the necessary structure for growth.
• Desiree’s journey started with identifying process gaps.
• Sean’s second in command evolved through experience and maturity.
• Trust and communication are key in this working relationships
• Having a clean plate allows for better problem-solving by the General Manager
• Cultural shifts can create initial resistance but lead to growth.
• Open communication is key to overcoming team dynamics.
• Peer support (from our Second in Command Peer Group) provides valuable insights and encouragement.
• Accountability should be mutual between owners and second-in-commands.
• Mistakes are part of the learning process in leadership.

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