Aug 13, 2023
And do I need one?
The latest hiring craze in the tech world is Chief of Staff (CoS), but it doesn't seem like the broader market has caught on to what this role is and what it can do to help streamline executive operations and improve the execution of the strategic vision. So just what is a CoS, and do you need one?
First, a word about what a CoS is not. A CoS is not an executive assistant (EA). They do not book travel or make reservations. They do not manage your calendar or buy holiday gifts for your staff and clients. These are all fabulous things that a great EA can help you with. They are not the purview of the CoS.
In some ways, Chiefs of Staff are the ultimate integrators in an organization.
So what the heck is it? There are a lot of great articles out there that define the CoS role, and make a case for hiring one, but in a nutshell a CoS enhances the organization's overall efficiency, effectiveness and strategic direction. Reporting to the CEO or other executive function, CoS's provide:
Strategic Support: Align organizational goals, priorities, and initiatives.
Operational Efficiency: Streamline processes and communication, ensuring that the organization functions smoothly and efficiently.
Time Management: Maintain executive focus on high-priority tasks and provide the option of delegating others.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Break down silos and foster a cohesive work environment.
Project Management: Oversee strategic projects sponsored by the CEO or other executives.
Change Management: Guide the organization through the change process, minimizing disruptions.
Decision Support: Gather data and insights to provide well-informed recommendations.
Leadership Development: Identify and nurture future leaders within the organization.
External Relations: Manage relationships with external stakeholders
Crisis Management: Coordinate responses for a unified and effective approach.
That sounds great! Can I afford one?
Great question! Since this role is still somewhat of a new concept in industry (of course the Chief of Staff is a well-known quantity in government circles), the salary range is a little broad, but roughly speaking an experienced and immediately effective CoS will command between $225k to $300k base pay.
That's an enormous commitment and out of reach for most small and recently small companies. That's where Crux Consulting comes in. We can work with you with anything from defining a list of priority initiatives (along with game plans) that can be executed internally, to hands-on building out processes to streamline operations and improve information flow. We can execute on scoped strategic projects or help navigate a current crisis. We can be your fractional CoS until you can hire one yourself. Get in touch.