A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a talk by the legendary football manager, Martin O’Neill.
While his stories from the touchline were highly entertaining, two core principles resonated deeply with me as a business leader and recruiter.
If you run a business, big or small, read on for insights from the side lines and how to focus on your MVP for your business as well as for yourself personally.
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1. Seizing the Moment: The ‘Barcelona’ Chance🍀
The first lesson was about taking your shot.
Martin O’Neill’s path to professional football was anything but conventional.
Rather than joining a youth academy, he played semi-professionally in Northern Ireland. His moment came unexpectedly: his team, having won the Irish Cup, qualified for the now-defunct European Cup Winners’ Cup and were drawn against the mighty Barcelona.
📌His takeaway? It was one chance, and he made it count.
In business, we often overlook or overthink opportunities. It’s easy to focus on the needs of your clients and be distracted by world events.
But, whether it’s securing a crucial new client, making a strategic acquisition, or simply deciding to hire an executive talent that could transform your business, you have to be ready to step up and make the moment count. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ time often means the chance passes you by.
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2. The Power of the Strong Number Two 💪
The second and perhaps most powerful theme O’Neill spoke about was the crucial, transformative role of a strong Number Two.
He recounted his own career, both as a player and a manager.
He played alongside his long-time assistant, John Robertson, at Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough.
Clough, one of football’s most eccentric visionaries, famously brought in Peter Taylor as his Number Two after a disastrous spell at Leeds. Clough and Taylor were “chalk and cheese” – the visionary genius balanced by the grounded, functional Peter Taylor. They were incredibly successful, winning two European Cups back-to-back.
📌O’Neill’s point is clear: The most successful leaders and managers, like Sir Alex Ferguson (with assistants like Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, and Carlos Queiroz) and Pep Guardiola (with Mikel Arteta, who is now managing Arsenal), have all relied on strong lieutenants.
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❓What is a “Strong Number Two” in Business?
A Number Two is more than just an assistant.
They are your:
- Sanity Check: Someone who can question you privately and challenge your decisions.
- Complementary Skillset: Clough was the visionary; Taylor was the reserved functionalist. You need someone who covers your blind spots.
- Team Psychologist: O’Neill highlighted how Brian Clough knew exactly what triggered each player. Who needed an arm around the shoulder (like John Robertson)? Who needed harsh treatment (like O’Neill himself)? A great Number Two helps you manage the entire team dynamic, ensuring you aren’t only talking to your high performers.
As busy Leaders and professionals, we are naturally drawn to the high performers – the people driving and delivering revenue, brand, solutions, client wins!
But a complete team requires you to know every player. Your Number Two can ensure the entire squad, from the star striker to the dependable support player, is motivated and known. They are the person who can step in to coach the team while you manage the overall strategy.
At its core, your business’ success is not a solo endeavour. It’s about building a robust leadership team.
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🧠Genius!
In recruitment and leadership advisory work, I see this dynamic daily. We often find that business and team leaders hire people similar to themselves.
The genius of the strong Number Two is in finding someone different – someone who complements your weaknesses and challenges your assumptions.
Need a Peter Taylor to your Brian Clough? Need help creating a high-performing team?
Whether you are looking for that senior leader (MVP) who can challenge your strategy or a key player to complete your team, securing the right “Number Two”, let’s talk! You need strategic hires that will enable you to seize your moment and lead your business to its next championship.
Contact me for a confidential chat about your next hire.
