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Every Batman needs a Robin
As I reflect on my work in numerous organizations, I have come to realize that the truly effective ones have a visionary leader supported by a loyal and competent team.
With this nexus, the CEO is free to steer the organization forward, knowing and trusting that their COO (or their minus ones) will faithfully work behind the scenes to get the organization there.
Unfortunately, most COOs also aspire to be CEOs. When this happens, and if there is no alignment to the vision or loyalty the CEO, the organization will self-implode as the COO will work against the CEO.
I am a firm believer that the sum is always greater than its individual parts. Thus, like most superhero duos, for leadership teams to work at their peak, aside from competency, loyalty to the leader is also key. Without loyalty, the CEO will end up battling internal and external stakeholders.
In short, effective leaders not only need to assemble a team of people who can excel at their respective roles, but also a team of people who are loyal to them and the organization’s vision …. every Batman needs a Robin.
