COOs: Overcoming Challenges

Second-in-Commands/COOs provide support to more than 40% of the world’s leading companies.  They can help the CEO when the CEO feels overwhelmed or is struggling to get enough done on their own.  Specific tasks for COOs vary based on what the CEO needs, the company stage, and the pre-existing strengths of the leadership team.  However, the basic idea of providing support to the CEO remains. 

Unfortunately, many COOs struggle to be effective in their roles due to numerous challenges.  COOs often do not have adequate training and face enormous pressure.  This can lead COOs to spend too much time dealing with daily operations, rather than developing long-term plans and goals.  COOs struggle with turnover, supply chain disruptions, integrating new acquisition, information silos, and isolation.

In modern organizations, new skills are necessary to support COOs in developing strengths.  Companies should empower their COOs through coaching and upskilling.  COO coaching can benefit business growth, overall clarity, and company communication.

A combination of coaching, peer groups, and tools can make a big difference in COO performance.  In fact, coaching can increase individual performance by 70%.  Coaching can lead to a return on investment of up to 788%. 

COOs hold a valuable role, but do not receive enough support to have a full impact.  Empowering COOs can provide them with the necessary knowledge to overcome challenges, increase efficiency, and boost earnings.

Source: Diane Integrates