Essential Skills for a Chief of Staff in 2023
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Key Competencies for Today's Chief of Staff
In 2023, there are essential skills that every Chief of Staff (CoS) must possess to ensure success, both for themselves and their Executives. These competencies are not typically taught in formal educational settings, yet they play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of this vital position.
The Chief of Staff is increasingly recognized as a pivotal role within technology and service organizations. Often, the CoS operates in a dynamic environment, serving as a trusted advisor to Executives. They frequently engage in areas of business that are off-limits to many, such as strategic planning, board meetings, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate reviews. This exposure provides invaluable insights into the inner workings of the company, setting the stage for future career advancements.
Traditionally, the CoS role was exclusive to the Chief Executive, but it has evolved to support various senior leaders, including N-1 and N-2 executives. While the focus may differ depending on the Executive's role—be it CEO, CMO, CRO, CPO, or COO—there are three core skills that every Chief of Staff should strive to master.
Program Management
A Chief of Staff must excel in program management, as many responsibilities are intertwined with this discipline. The CoS often acts as a key stakeholder in significant organizational change initiatives, representing the Executive in these efforts. Understanding program dynamics, assessing health, and weighing strategic benefits against investments are essential for success.
Experience in program management enables the CoS to structure complex tasks into manageable streams, ensuring clarity in outcomes, accountability, and measurable results. The CoS often navigates a landscape filled with diverse stakeholders, making it crucial to drive accountability and ownership across various initiatives.
Moreover, a strategic mindset is essential for distinguishing between tactical projects and overarching program outcomes, along with understanding their financial and operational impacts. Familiarity with financial concepts, such as budgeting and P&L management, is vital. If you find yourself in a CoS position lacking program management experience, consider seeking roles focused on transformation or change management for growth.
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Problem-Solving
The CoS is fundamentally a problem solver, often sought after for their consultancy-like skills and experience. Many job descriptions emphasize the importance of prior consultancy experience at firms like BCG, PwC, McKinsey, or Accenture.
Familiarizing yourself with various problem-solving techniques is beneficial. One effective method is the "five whys," which digs deep into the root causes of issues. The McKinsey problem-solving framework, which involves a data-driven approach and logical breakdown of problems, is also worthwhile.
Regardless of the technique used, proficiency in three key activities is essential:
- Modeling: Analyzing costs and benefits or assessing ROI with models helps forecast the effectiveness of solutions.
- Data Analysis: The ability to interpret complex data sets and derive actionable insights is crucial for supporting Executive decision-making.
- Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and collaboration with all parties involved is essential, especially in intricate problem-solving scenarios.
Wooing Others
The CoS often operates in a unique position within the Executive team, which can feel isolating. While they work closely with the Executive, they may find themselves distanced from other team members. Thus, the ability to influence others, rather than relying solely on authority, becomes vital.
To enhance your ability to "woo" others, focus on two strategies:
- Clarify the Why: Clearly articulate the significance of your requests to garner support.
- Emphasize Results: Demonstrating projected outcomes can help others see the value in your proposals.
Key Takeaways and Considerations
The Chief of Staff role requires a diverse skill set, including strategic advisory capabilities, tactical problem-solving, and the ability to influence others. While program management, problem-solving, and wooing skills are foundational, other competencies are equally important.
Career paths leading to a CoS role can vary significantly. Those coming from consultancy backgrounds may excel in problem-solving and strategy, while individuals with operational experience may bring execution strengths. For those early in their careers, pursuing program management roles can provide essential experience.
To further develop your skills, consider pursuing certifications such as:
- ITIL Foundation: Enhances understanding of process thinking and relationships between processes and outcomes.
- Six Sigma Greenbelt: Provides a framework for measurable improvement methodologies.
- Prince2 or PMI: Offers foundational knowledge in project and program management.
What other skills do you believe are critical for a Chief of Staff? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly.
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