Your Chief of Staff Needs a Coach
“Are you waving or asking for help, I can’t tell.” - The CEO
(Photo by nikko macaspac on Unsplash)
The Chief of Staff role is an unusual one
They sit in leadership team meetings, but they aren’t always seen as a peer in that room.
They are a cross-functional specialist who can bring people together across the business, but rarely have direct reports or feel part of an actual team.
Most of the time, they operate as a team of one. And for many in the role, that’s usually by design and a core strength they bring to the table.
But it can be a lonely role.
Operating Mode: Under-supported
Chiefs of Staff have to be infinitely adaptable to the needs of the business. They pick up special projects that don’t have a natural home. They are strategic generalists, operating without line authority and expected to get things done through influence alone.
That can feel like an uphill battle.
They also report directly to the CEO or Founder. A time-poor individual, usually with high expectations and very limited capacity to offer guidance, support, or development.
So the person responsible for keeping everything moving often has very little support themselves.
It is no surprise that many Chiefs of Staff burn out. The role is a pressure cooker. High expectations. High visibility. Limited structure. Limited support.
Outsource their support to a Coach
If your Chief of Staff doesn’t have a coach, it’s time to get them one.
A coach can support with things like:
Developing leadership confidence
Navigating senior relationships and internal politics
Influencing without formal authority
Designing and facilitating leadership offsites
Career planning and ownership of direction
Motivation and emotional support
This is not an exhaustive list.
The reality is that if you are a CEO and you are not actively supporting your Chief of Staff in these areas, one of two things is happening.
Either they are exceptionally good at their job and holding everything together for you. Good for you.
Or they are struggling in silence.
Win win all round
Bringing in an experienced coach helps on both sides. It gives them a confidential sounding board and development support. It also gives you confidence that the person operating closest to you is getting the thinking space they need.
If you have a Chief of Staff and you want them to thrive in the role, get in touch to discuss a 12-month Chief of Staff coaching package.
It is the job Liz would probably do if she ever went back into full-time employment.
Which is extremely unlikely.