It Takes Two

I will also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my father in heaven will do it for you. — Matthew 18:19

Have you ever heard a song or read a book that put words to your feelings, thoughts, and sentiments? That’s how I felt the moment I started reading It Takes 2: Who is Helping You Lead. This book is essential reading for purpose-driven leaders.

First, you need to understand why the book struck such a strong chord with me.

Not Number One

When I was sixteen years old, my father gave me some guidance that many may find strange. He told me that it is okay to not be #1.

That’s odd advice coming from a hyper-competitive guy like my Dad. The living room floor of my childhood home was littered with dozens of trophies from his athletic conquests; a veritable shrine of a #1 shiner. He was a featured Lincoln High School basketball star in Milwaukee. As a young adult, Dad was winning singles and doubles roller staking trophies on the amateur circuits anchored at Milwaukee’’s mainstay roller rink, The Palace. He was a leader on his Wisconsin Electric company’s basketball and baseball teams. Heck, Dad couldn’t even play a friendly game of cards without giving family members that I’m going to destroy you energy after Thanksgiving Dinner.

Dad telling me it’s okay to not be #1 was significant. But, he was not telling me to settle for less. He meant serving in other key positions can be rewarding. Perfectly articulate in our blue collar vernacular, Dad said, “You can get paid about the same amount of money as a #1 without dealing with all the #1 bullshit.” Well said, Dad, and prescient to boot.

I kept Dad’s perspective in mind as I took on a significant number of employment and student leadership positions. In fact, by the time I was 30-years-old I had already worked 30 different jobs! Later, I served as principal of my family-owned business and served as founder, president, or chairman of a number of civic organizations. Needless to say, I learned a lot about how I show up in different situations — both as a 1 and a 2. Aside from my own commitment to excellence, the greatest determinant of success or failure over the years has been who I was leading with, irrespective of our official titles and roles.

So, when my fellow Alabama State University alum and colleague, Ramone Harper, published his book, It Takes Two: Who is Helping You Lead, the sentiment was immediately familiar and felt.

It Takes Two: Who is Helping You Lead?

Ramone Harper is a businessman and faith leader with more than two decades of executive and pastoral leadership. His book is written from a Christian leadership perspective, but I assure you, the principles and strategies in this well-organized and thoughtful opus go far beyond the walls of the church.

The book is a quick, relatable read — just shy of 100 pages in length. Here are a few key concepts I found particularly noteworthy:

Types of 2s: Armor-bearer, Consultant, Friend, Executioner, Interpreter, Partner, Successor

Harper explains each of these relational dynamics between 1s and 2s. One of his most powerful statements relates to the executioner role. He said, “I execute the vision of my leader. I execute all resistance to that vision.” Powerful and poignant.

“I execute the vision of my leader. I execute all resistance to that vision.” — Ramone Harper

The Qualities of a H.O.R.S.E.

Harper uses the acronym, H.O.R.S.E. to explain many of the qualities of an effective 2. Each letter of the acronym represents principles supported by some biblical references. I won’t give away the full acronym, however, I want to lift up the ‘S’ which means Submitted and Strategic. Here, Harper expounds on the obligation of 2s to have clear understanding of their life purpose and to be submitted to that calling, as well as their leader. He builds on the logic by adding a strategic element, personified by Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s vision in Genesis 41:33–38.

The Right and Wrong Motivations of a 2: The Kyrie Effect

Let’s keep it real — most of us have not grown up wanting to be a 2. High level performers are competitive, driven and often want to push themselves to new heights. Harper addresses this issue in several places in the book, but he puts a fine point on it when he expounds on what he calls ‘The Kyrie Effect’. NBA All-Star, Kyrie Irving, was a classic 2 to a classic 1 in Lebron James. Kyrie was not satisfied playing second fiddle. He was vocal about wanting to lead his own team as a 1, which he did when he left Lebron’s Cavaliers for the Boston Celtics. Ultimately, Kyrie failed as a 1 on his own, but he excelled as a 2 with LeBron. This is why getting clear about your own calling is so important.

Beyond the three elements featured above, It Takes Two covers other topics, including how to find and train 2s, the challenges of 2s (ego, mental health, personal goals), managing family dynamics, and things that 2s want their 1s to know.

Stay On Your 1s and 2s

I shared the insights from this book with our Mayor’s Office staff a few months ago. I offered complimentary copies of the book to staff members that agreed to read the book within 30 days and submit a written memo to me featuring their insights, personal reflections, and actionable steps.

One team member admitted she struggled with the possibility of being a 2. She wrestled mightily with the concept because her father admonished her that she could be number 1. That she should be number 1. And, to settle for less would mean failure.

Our dads and their advice. On their 1s and 2s.

At the core of Harper’s Philosophy of 2 is the familiar, clarion call of servant leadership. To never see oneself as the served. After all, within the Christian ethos of the book, Harper is setting us all up as 2s — to Christ.

Amen.

Ed Fields is a marketer and strategist. He currently serves as Senior Advisor and Chief Strategist for the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office. Follow Ed on LinkedIn, Medium, or Twitter.