Managing Made Simple

Second in command not stepping up? Wrong fit or wrong expectations

October 20, 2026·16 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

When your second in command isn't stepping up, it's tempting to decide you hired the wrong person. But most new number twos think the job is to do everything themselves, so they say yes to all of it, get spread too thin, and lose track of what matters most. In this episode, Lia shares how to tell if it's the wrong fit or the wrong expectations, and how to reset the expectation so your successor can start running things the way you hired them to. In this episode you will learn: How to tell whether you have the wrong person or the wrong expectations The biggest symptom that your number two thinks they have to do everything Why building a leadership bench raises what your business is worth What a successor should and shouldn't copy from you How to have the expectation reset conversation with your number two How long to give it before you make the call Resources mentioned: Work with Lia on your number two's role and coaching: liagarvin.com/contact Connect with me: Website: www.liagarvin.com Email: hello@liagarvin.com Free guide to making hard conversations easier: liagarvin.com/convo Instagram: @lia.garvin LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/liagarvin

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of Managing Made Simple and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.