Make the Noise Go Away: The Power of an Effective Second-in-Command

Many entrepreneurs embrace the challenge of being their own boss; they desire freedom—both financial and temporal. But, often, the business consumes both time and money and ends up owning the owner. In Make the Noise Go Away, author Larry G. Linne discusses thirteen principles to help business owners reclaim their freedom.

Written in parable style, Make the Noise Go Away follows business owner Jim Clancy and second-in-command Brett Giles at Golden Electric Supply. During a weekend retreat at a quiet mountain cabin, the two executives discuss the principles and strategies that make Jim’s noise—all the worries and concerns about his business—go away and allow Brett’s job to be more enjoyable and successful. They talk about important skills and concepts such as maintaining upward communication, setting priorities, practicing effective problem solving, and introducing new ideas.

Targeted to both first- and second-in-commands, Make the Noise Go Away provides insights on decision-making skills, methods to protect and nurture great CEO ideas, and strategies for managing the perception of the business by important third parties. With concrete takeaways and tools for implementation, this guide helps clear the way for productivity and success for today’s business executives and their seconds-in-command.

Larry G. Linne has a diverse background that ranges from professional athlete to current partner and CEO of Sitkins Group, Inc. A consultant, coach, and keynote speaker, Linne is the CEO of Intellectual Innovations LLC. He lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with his wife, Deborah, and their five daughters. Ken Koller attended The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he obtained his certificate in business management in 1970 and a bachelor of science degree in 1973. His most recent experiences as both first in command and second in command have provided great insight into how these important relationships are established and refined to achieve improved performance and organizational success. Ken continues his business consulting practice as principal of Koller Associates.