Being a chief of staff is an excellent way to unlock the potential of your business. With the right person in this role, you can improve the flow of information between departments, as well as communication between you, your senior management team, and the rest of your staff. The ideal candidate should have at least seven years of experience in business management, with a focus on executive-level advice and interdepartmental collaboration. The chief of staff is often seen as the CEO's representative to both external and internal audiences.
In larger companies, there may be several managers of staff who are responsible for filling skill gaps in their respective areas. They are the communicators, problem solvers, innovators, process drivers, and everyday decision makers who help shape the decision-making process. A chief of staff is responsible for bringing visions to life by planning, working, managing, and even reporting on post-project accountability. This role is often seen as a support for a particular person in any condition. It can also help to equalize gender disparity in meeting rooms. In some cases, the role of chief of staff may be filled with alternative titles that have the same functionality and authority.
This is more common in government agencies, holding companies with large and complex portfolios, and companies undergoing organizational changes without the help of a transformation director. The chief of staff should also establish personal relationships with the CEO's direct reports. The size and scope of this role can vary depending on the context of the company. In smaller offices, there may be ten or fewer employees including executive assistants and chiefs of staff. Larger companies may have additional departments such as legal, business development, administrative, public relations, and corporate strategy. Having a chief of staff can be an invaluable asset to any business.
With their experience and expertise in executive-level advice and interdepartmental collaboration, they can help unlock the potential of your business by improving communication between departments and between you and your senior management team.
