Laurie Arron, founder of Arron Coaching and a seasoned executive coach with over 30 years at a Fortune 10 company, discusses the evolving role of the Chief of Staff. She emphasizes how this role goes beyond that of an executive assistant, serving as a proactive truth-teller and a strategic partner. Laurie highlights the importance of open communication, honesty, and balance within leadership dynamics. Listeners will learn how effective Chiefs of Staff enhance team effectiveness and advocate for their leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
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Chief of Staff Role Growth
The Chief of Staff role is becoming increasingly common in organizations.
This role is distinct from an Executive Assistant, focusing on strategic operations and representing the leader.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Chief of Staff vs. EA
Distinguish between a Chief of Staff and an Executive Assistant.
The Chief of Staff focuses on strategic work, decision-making, and representing the leader, while the EA handles logistics.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Handshake Meeting
Leaders should have a "handshake meeting" with their Chief of Staff to establish clear expectations and communication protocols.
This meeting helps define how they will work together, make decisions, and handle conflict.
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While details about "Who Has Your Back?" are limited, it's likely a book by Keith Ferrazzi focusing on the importance of relationships and support networks in achieving success. The book likely explores the dynamics of building strong professional relationships and the benefits of having a supportive team. It probably offers practical advice and strategies for cultivating trust and collaboration. The book's central theme likely revolves around the power of strong relationships in navigating challenges and achieving goals. It's likely a valuable resource for professionals seeking to enhance their networking and collaboration skills.
The Coaching Habit
Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
Michael Bungay Stanier
In 'The Coaching Habit,' Michael Bungay Stanier provides a straightforward and effective approach to coaching. Drawing on his extensive experience training managers worldwide, he introduces seven essential coaching questions designed to help managers unlock their team's potential. These questions include the Kickstart Question, the AWE Question, the Lazy Question, the Strategic Question, the Focus Question, the Foundation Question, and the Learning Question. The book emphasizes the importance of saying less and asking more, fostering a collaborative and empowering work environment. It combines practical advice with research in neuroscience and behavioral economics, making coaching a daily, informal part of managerial work rather than a formal event.
Laure Arron: Who Has Your Back?
Laurie Arron is the founder of Arron Coaching, LLC and trusted adviser and executive coach to C-suite executives and Chiefs of Staff. She spent 30+ years climbing the corporate ladder at a Fortune 10 company in sales leadership, strategic planning, business transformation, and Chief of Staff roles. She is the author of Who Has Your Back?: A Leaders's Guide to Getting the Support You Need from the Chief of Staff You Deserve.
Executive leaders need both truth-tellers and those who can manage on their behalf. Increasingly, the Chief of Staff role is becoming more prominent. In this episode, Laurie and I discuss their role, where they add value, and how they benefit the entire team.
Key Points
The Chief of Staff role has become a more prevalent executive role, especially in the technology, finance, and healthcare industries.
A Chief of Staff is distinct from an executive assistant. A effective Chief represents the leader, manages on their behalf, and coordinates their work.
Every top leader needs a truth teller. A key role of the Chief of Staff is to be up-front with the person they serve.
An effective Chief is proactive in addressing issues before the leader ever knows about them. They know where messages are being lost or diluted.
Ideally, the Chief of Staff helps create a climate of free expression throughout the team.
Resources Mentioned
Who Has Your Back?: A Leaders's Guide to Getting the Support You Need from the Chief of Staff You Deserve by Laurie Arron
Let Bartlet Be Bartlet from The West Wing
Interview Notes
Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required).
Related Episodes
How to Help People Speak Truth to Power, with Megan Reitz (episode 597)
How to Start Better With Peers, with Michael Bungay Stanier (episode 635)
How to Start a Top Job, with Ty Wiggins (episode 685)
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