Ep. 499 - Harnessing The Vision Storm: How To Manage CEOs With Clear Maps

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

Second in Command with Cameron Herold

Entrepreneurship, Business, Management, Careers

4.5 • 1.6K Ratings

🗓️ 7 August 2025

⏱️ 8 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron explores the dynamic interplay between visionary entrepreneurs and the operational leaders who help bring their ideas to life.

The conversation centers on the constant flow of ideas that many CEOs generate and the need for a reliable system to evaluate, filter, and manage those ideas without derailing a company’s strategic direction. One key tactic discussed is turning a spontaneous brainstorm into a structured dialogue, helping leaders stay aligned while respecting each other’s distinct strengths.

You'll discover the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities to prevent what’s jokingly called "seagull management"—when leaders swoop in with ideas but leave behind confusion. Tools like the Impact Filter and return-on-investment questions are presented as effective methods for sorting through ideas and prioritizing the ones that align with current goals. Learn why having a documented set of commitments for the CEO can reduce the tendency to chase new concepts at the expense of ongoing work.

This episode offers practical tips for generating personalized communication strategies for leadership pairs, leading to highly productive partnerships that fuel sustainable growth rather than constant chaos.

Curious how to tame visionary chaos without killing innovation? Tune in to learn proven strategies for turning idea overload into growth momentum. If you've enjoyed this episode of the Second in Command podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

Why COOs should express interest in CEOs' ideas and then ask follow-up questions to understand them better, creating a type of verbal impact filter. (0:10)

The challenge of delegating for CEOs and the importance of clear written roles to avoid "seagull management." (1:07)

The process of deciding whether to green light, yellow light, or red light an idea based on its potential impact and resources. (3:15)

How the communication differences between CEOs and COOs resemble the differences between men and women, and the need for effective collaboration (5:14)

The importance of specialized coaching for both CEOs and COOs to build stronger, more effective partnerships. (6:32)

And much more...

Resources:

Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn

Get Cameron’s latest book – "Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO"

Get Cameron’s online course – Invest In Your Leaders

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of The Second in Command podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a...

Transcript

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0:00.0	first part is to remember that every entrepreneur are like idea perpetual motion machines, right? Constant idea, idea, idea, idea. When you're the second command or a leadership team member, and so we have to teach our COOs this skill, is the COO needs to say to you, I love that idea. Let me ask you a few questions so I understand it even more. Let's just go for a quick walk around the building. Let me ask you five or six questions so I understand your idea, which for you would be great.
0:23.8	It's kind of like a verbal walking impact filter.
0:26.2	I take the impact filter at the next level, though.
0:33.6	Welcome to the Second and Command podcast, produced by the C.O. Alliance and brought to you by its founder, Cameron Harold.
0:42.0	In the Second in Command podcast, we talk to top COOs who share the insights, strategies, and tactics that made them the chief behind the chief.
0:51.2	And now, here's your host, Cameron Herald.
0:57.7	For many entrepreneurs, delegating and letting go is a massive challenge, especially for
1:03.8	CEOs who are idea perpetual motion machines. I'll explain how COOs can manage these ideas by asking clarifying questions and evaluating ROI.
1:15.1	The key, I believe, is ensuring CEOs have clear written roles to avoid Seagull management.
1:20.4	I'll highlight the inherent communication differences between CEOs and COOs often seen in Colby
1:25.3	profiles and suggest using tools like chat GPT for communication
1:29.2	shortcuts. I strongly recommend specialized coaching for both roles to build stronger, more effective
1:35.0	partnerships. First, the comment and then a question. So first comment, absolutely poach.
1:45.0	I've been doing it for years and Joe can confirm this.
1:49.2	I frequently say, let me be the asshole.
1:52.1	You don't feel like doing it?
1:53.4	That's my job.
1:54.6	If you have all created an amazing company, an amazing organization, and invested time and effort into your people,
2:03.1	I won't be able to steal them. So that's your job to do. So that was number one. My question,
2:09.6	first, Joe, you had said something where it was like, oh, I don't know whether or not I can let
2:14.0	this go or how do I do that? That's my question for you. How do we get people like Joe
2:19.3	who are thinking at a thousand miles a minute who have all of these things and opportunities
	...

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