Blair Epstein, Poppy Johnson, and Connor Rochford share eight keys to excelling as a chief of staff, including the significance of clear communication and effective support, tailoring the role to suit organizational needs, and the importance of building and maintaining trust. They also discuss the evolving responsibilities of a chief of staff in rapidly growing companies and the need to hone peripheral vision by providing their principal with both good and bad news. The episode concludes by expressing gratitude to the audience and providing ways to stay connected.
A successful chief of staff must have a clear understanding of their role, responsibilities, and expectations, setting up open communication and building a shared understanding within the organization.
Developing and maintaining trust is crucial for a chief of staff's effectiveness, requiring clear and transparent communication, discretion, and judgment.
Deep dives
Understanding the Chief of Staff Role
To succeed as a chief of staff, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the role and its responsibilities. Many individuals enter the role without fully comprehending its expectations, leading to frustration and confusion. A successful chief of staff will know their duties, accountabilities, and how they will be supported in achieving their goals. This multifaceted role can encompass administrative, operational, strategic, and project management responsibilities, making it essential to have a comprehensive job description and open communication with the principal. Building a shared understanding of the role's parameters is not only important for the chief of staff but also for the entire organization.
Earning Trust and Building Relationships
Developing and maintaining trust is critical for the chief of staff's effectiveness. Acting as the eyes and ears of the principal, a chief of staff must establish trust not only with the principal but also with the broader leadership team. Balancing the role of a trusted confidant to the principal while also providing feedback and guidance to the broader team is a delicate balancing act. Clear and transparent communication, along with discretion and judgment, are essential in building and maintaining trust. Recognizing when trust is lacking and taking steps to address it is equally important for fostering a successful working relationship.
Navigating Transitions and Making the Role Your Own
The chief of staff role is not static and can evolve based on organizational needs and the chief of staff's professional growth. It is important for the chief of staff to communicate their passion, skills, and aspirations to the principal in order to shape the role and make it personally fulfilling. As the role progresses, the chief of staff should consider how to expand their responsibilities and take on additional projects aligned with their interests and qualifications. Additionally, managing transitions is crucial, both for the chief of staff and the principal. Succession planning and thoughtful handover processes help ensure a smooth transition, while also allowing the chief of staff to prepare for their next career step.
Influencing Without Playing Politics
Exerting influence as a chief of staff requires navigating the complex dynamics within an organization without getting entangled in office politics. Chiefs of staff must find ways to leverage their proximity to the principal and use their influence effectively. Acting as a trusted advisor and communication facilitator, a chief of staff can help shape decision-making processes and provide perspectives from different stakeholders. Maintaining a neutral stance, focusing on the organization's goals, and avoiding personal agendas are essential in navigating the political landscape while staying aligned with the needs and priorities of the principal.
A chief of staff can be instrumental to a CEO's success while also advancing their own career. While the role’s variability and intensity make it challenging, they also make it exciting.
We're joined by Blair Epstein, Poppy Johnson, and Connor Rochford to discuss the eight pieces of advice they have distilled from hundreds of interviews with those who have mastered the role.