right-hand man

lieutenant

Junior commissioned officer

• second-in-commandImmediate subordinate to leader
• deputyAuthorized substitute or assistant
• adjutantCommander's administrative officer

aide · chief of staff · executive officer · number two · understudy · proxy · attaché · aide-de-camp · steward · majordomo

confidant

Trusted keeper of secrets

• advisorOne who gives guidance
• counselorOne who advises
• consigliereMafia boss's trusted counselor

partner · collaborator · ally · associate · companion · comrade · sidekick · cohort · co-conspirator · accomplice

backbone

Vertebral column, or courage

• mainstayPrimary source of support
• pillarUpright architectural support
• anchorSecures ships to seabed

go-to person · sounding board · strategist · facilitator · fixer · helper · assistant · attendant · stalwart · rock

faithful

Consistently loyal and true

• devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
• steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
• reliableConsistently performing as expected

dependable · trustworthy · loyal · true · unwavering · unswerving · staunch · dedicated · committed · constant

• assistantsassistant, helper, aide, aide-de-camp, PA
• Deputiesdeputy, lieutenant, second-in-command, second in command, number two
• Sidekickssidekick, Dr. Watson, Watson, number two, Sam Gamgee
• dependable peoplerock, stalwart, mainstay, pillar, backbone
• informal rolesleader, follower, peacemaker, troublemaker, mediator
• Leadership idiomslead by example, take the reins, at the helm, call the shots, take charge