Riding Shotgun: The Role of the COO, Updated Edition [Hardcover]

The role of Chief Operating Officer is clearly important. In fact, it's arguable that the number two position is the toughest job in a company. COOs play a critical part in executing the strategies developed by top management. And, in many cases, they are being groomedor test-drivenas the firm's CEO-elect.

Riding Shotgunprovides unique insight into this little-understood role. The authors develop a framework that illustrates who the COO is, why a company should create this position, and what the challenges associated with this job entail. Drawing heavily on first-person accounts from top executives, the authors offer a set of strategies to inform individuals who aspire to serve as COO. With a new preface and conclusion, and even more interviews from some of the most established and important companies in today's economy, this book is a one-of-a-kind resource for the C-suite and the boardroom.

Events over the last 10 years have made the role of the COO more daunting than ever before. The stakes have never been higher, and getting the COO dynamic right is a must. COOs will benefit from the insights that their peers reveal in this new edition. Connie McDaniel, Former Vice President & Chief of Internal Audit, The Coca-Cola Company, Director, Total System Services, Inc., and Trustee, RidgeWorth Funds As organizations and corporate boards look to solve critical succession issues or strive to become more focused and efficient, they often think of creating or recasting the COO role within their respective organizations. Done correctly, the results can be magical; done incorrectly, and the fallout can be devastating for any organization. This book is the first of its kind and long over due.Riding Shotguncarefully lays out the questions that need to be answered and the critical success factors to ensure that the person who is going to assume the role is set up for success. Every Board Member, HR Executive, or CEO who is considering the COO role ilsš