In the days when the CxOs were called directors, when everyone worked in offices, the offices were protected by secretaries, I worked with a head of architecture who taught me many things. He was my friend.
He built relationships with every board member and their gatekeepers. If he wanted a meeting, he got a meeting. He never took sides, never played politics, just gave clear honesty opinions and guidance. He was trusted.
The trust turned into protection. Those in more powerful positions lost when they challenged him. His reputation as being apolitical and honest meant he was a valuable asset. He had learned to voice his opinions at the right time with the right people in the right forums.
He was never number one, but as long as I knew him, he was a number two. He was number two to many number ones. Somehow, he survived the passing of many number ones.
I joined him once when he was briefing another new number one. By the end of the meeting, I had learned some things. I knew who had the knowledge. I knew who was in charge. I knew that the puppet was the star but my friend was pulling the strings.
My friend had several important abilities, he was universally liked but many didn’t know why they liked him. He listened very well, and kept a confidence given. He advised with clarity and honesty.
He could read people, he understood what they really said when they used words, he knew what they meant when they didn’t say anything, he read their intentions, their emotions, their motivations, he could anticipate their actions, and very often shape them.
He had a huge network of friends, many of them with influence. He took care of those who put their trust in him.
He was a patient man. If he wanted something, he would get it. He would plan a simple plan, he would execute patiently and deliberately, “wizards stroll, magic happens” and deliver his plan.
Sometimes there would be barriers or delays or opposition, but he would quietly persevere and achieve his plans how ever long they took. He would overcome the barriers, outlast the delays, and have more resilience than the opposition. He always won.
But never cross him, because you would only cross him once. That network of loyal friends, all those who had benefited from his help in the past, would turn into a monster and devour his enemies.
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