Role of Second in Command (2IC) in a Management
In the absence of a company owner or CEO, the second in command (2IC) is the next individual who controls the firm. 2IC meaning in management is a key part of an exit strategy, as it builds continuity within the current management system and allows for an evacuation plan in case the manager is no longer available. This article will give a clear view to the readers about the importance of a second in command(2IC) in a management system.
Introduction to 2IC System
Earlier, the word “2ic,” was used to indicate a Deputy Commandant in the UK Army and Royal Naval Operations and was used by the British military forces. 2ic applies to businesses to a “second-order” after the CEO or the owner and can manage the business without the CEO. In case the CEO/Founder is unavailable or not present for the company to operate, companies usually create the role of a second in command.
The goal is to reinforce the team by maintaining the 2ic role. Where a team’s success relies on the CEO or the shareholder, this helps to increase shareholders’ trust to add a 2ic. It also helps the company owner to leave the company with the knowledge that even in their absence the company will keep operating. The most standard practice is in large firms, where the CEO ages or hires a director of different leadership skills to assist the running of the company.
Functions of 2IC – What is 2ic position ?
Many CEOs designate a 2ic when they want to create a long term plan, build an entity to sell or increasing their profits. In this case, the CEO needs a knowledgeable person who even in his / her absence will run the company effectively. The 2IC has to be someone with good leadership track records or someone the CEO will trust. The 2ic manager will serve as the Chairman, manage the daily activities of the organization, assign control and maintains peace in all divisions of the business. However, the CEO/founder will have to be held accountable and the latter must be informed of the business’s affairs.
The 2ic will know what direction the business will follow to achieve its goals by understanding the CEO’s view of the Business. The 2ic may use the ambition to set monetary goals, such as the margins of sale and profit that will enable the enterprise to start activities in other regions in the future, in order, for example, to create an international company in the next 10 years. The 2ic will start by asking the CEO what the organization is doing and what they should do. Different fields such as business and market conditions, client infrastructure, customer support, etc.
Final Verdict
So, as we can see, 2IC meaning in a company has two important duties – the management of the business in the absence of the CEO and the management of the company along with the managing director. These duties make the position difficult as the 2IC will handle the company’s day-to-day affairs and appear to be responsible for keeping the CEO on track.
