686: How to Benefit from a Chief of Staff, with Laurie Arron

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Jun 24, 2024

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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INSIGHT

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.

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.

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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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

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