Are you considering hiring a Chief of Staff (CoS) for your business? It's a big decision, and one that can have a direct positive impact on your company. A CoS can help you be a more effective executive, allowing you to focus on your vision and build your organization. But what exactly does a CoS do, and is it worth it?As a CoS, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day operations and initiatives of the executive team. You'll need to be organized and have strong coordination skills to manage the various tasks and responsibilities that come with the job.
You'll also need to be able to lead meetings and shepherd cats, as well as have the ability to plan and strategize. The role of CoS is much more than just an administrative job. You'll be the connection point of an organization, breaking down barriers and obstacles to move work forward. You'll also have access to leadership and informal authority, which can help you meet expectations and get things done.
But what happens after your CoS term is up? You should be able to use your long list of responsibilities, skills, experience, and accomplishments to position yourself for various subsequent positions. You may become a Vice President or Chief Operating Officer (COO), depending on your level of experience. The most compelling reason to hire a CoS is that companies have become increasingly complex to manage. A CoS can help create more sustainability through processes, systems, and technology, rather than just relying on human capital.
However, if implemented incorrectly, a CoS can simply inject a new layer of bureaucracy or even lead the CEO astray. Some people may even find themselves stuck in the role of CoS forever! To avoid this, it's important to identify strong candidates for the role and develop good relationships between executive directors and their support staff. In conclusion, hiring a Chief of Staff can be an incredibly beneficial decision for any company. It can help you be a more effective executive and free up time for global strategy. However, it's important to make sure you hire the right person for the job and develop good relationships between executive directors and their support staff. When considering whether or not to hire a Chief of Staff, it's important to weigh the benefits against the potential challenges.
On one hand, having a CoS can help streamline operations and create more sustainability in an organization. On the other hand, if not implemented correctly, it can lead to increased bureaucracy or even derailment of the CEO's vision. Ultimately, it's up to you as an executive to decide if hiring a Chief of Staff is worth it for your company. If you do decide to go ahead with it, make sure you take the time to find the right person for the job and develop strong relationships between executive directors and their support staff.
