Riding Shotgun

Meeting the COO Challenge

The role of the chief operating officer (COO) is arguably the most complex, challenging position in any company. Although a COO’s number-one priority is providing support to the CEO, he or she must also oversee business operations, develop cohesive and trusting relationships with a wide range of individuals, and make difficult financial and personnel decisions. Moreover, a COO must be confident enough to manage multiple, large concerns, yet humble enough to take a back seat while the CEO receives all the plaudits and publicity.

Depending on the company, COOs have varying degrees of influence and responsibility. Some organizations struggle with defining the COO’s role, which can have a tremendous impact upon the company’s efficiency. Others corporations may be thinking about creating a COO position, but don’t know how to structure it or how to identify the qualities to look for in COO candidates.

The bottom line, however, is that once a company has a COO, that officer and the CEO must establish a viable, trusting and honest partnership. The CEO cannot view the COO as a threat to his or her power base. Conversely, the COO must demonstrate...