Do you have a reliable “right-hand person” on your team?

Our reader poll today asks: Do you have a reliable “right-hand person” on your team?

– Yes — they’re always there to back me up and watch my back: 63%
– Kind of — sometimes they back me up, but I wish they’d do more: 18%
– No, but I could really use one: 19%

Find Your “Second.” 37% of you don’t have a reliable “second” there to back you up and be your right-hand person. That’s a huge gap and a big opportunity. Not only is it good for you to have that backup, it’s good for that person too. It can be a developmental and stretch role for them to learn from the boss and be involved in things “above their level.” Ask yourself why you don’t have a second. Is it fear of delegation? Lack of talent on the team? Whatever the reason, make finding and grooming this person a priority. They might surprise you with some unexpected skills and benefits.

Do you agree with these poll results? Let us know in the comments below!

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC

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These results were originally a SmartPulse poll in SmartBrief on Leadership which tracks feedback from more than 200,000 business leaders. Get smarter on leadership and sign up for the SmartBrief on Leadership e-newsletter.