Blog
Chief of Staff Book
Written for the C-suite, applicable to many. Although ultimately this book is for senior executives (CEOs and board members) who have decisions to make about creating or evolving a chief of staff role, it is written it in such a way that it will be useful to other leaders who use chiefs of staff or quasichiefs of staff, incumbent chiefs of staff, HR executives, and even prospective chiefs of...
Why Simplifying Isn’t Always The Best Answer to Complexity
Guest Aaron Rinehard argues that in an increasingly complex world, simplifying isn’t always the best way for leadership teams to deal with complexity.
Congrats! You’ve been asked to set up a comms function – now what?
Chiefs of staff in just about every organization play a role in executive communications, but what if you’re asked to set it up a comms team from scratch?
Is Your Exec Managing Too Many Direct Reports?
Is your exec managing too many direct reports? How would you know? Explore some different approaches to span of control.
What Do Phases of Matter Have To Do With The Chief of Staff’s Role in Leading Change?
External or internal pressure drives change, but people do their jobs in a current state. How can you map the transition and most effectively lead change?
Playing Chess, Not Checkers: Intuit’s Brad Smith on the Value of a Chief of Staff Role
You’ve heard me talk about the chief of staff role, but what about the CEO’s perspective on the value it can bring? I interview Intuit’s Chairman and former CEO, Brad Smith.
The Sound of Silence: Do Silent Meetings Work?
Seems like every week you hear about another organization who uses so-called “silent meetings,” but do they work?
I Want to Be a Chief of Staff: Do I Need a PMP?
Do you need a PMP cert to be a useful chief of staff? Probably not, but you’re better off being able to know and apply some of the content, however you acquire it.
Why It Makes Sense to Think About Your Replacement From Day 1
It makes sense to think about your chief of staff replacement from Day 1. Here’s why.
Quick Video Tip: Hiring a CoS to manage your conflict aversion is not ideal. Instead, get better at proactively managing conflict
Quick Video Tip: Hiring a CoS because your peers are doing it is a recipe for disaster
For more specific tips on identifying areas your CoS can add value, see post for Chiefs of Staff, on role clarity.
Chief of Staff Trends and Resources: Nov 26, 2018
Chief of staff trends and resources. Chief of staff reading list.
Manage Conflict Before It Manages Your Leadership Team
“Conflict is inevitable. Combat is not.” Brigadier General (Ret.) and CEO of Leader Six, Nolen Bivens. Find out how you, your exec, and your leadership team can do conflict better, and why you can’t afford NOT to.
The False Dilemma of High Standards or High Morale
Does your exec really have to choose between high standards or high morale?
Influence without managing
A core component of our Chief of Staff as Leader workshop – and more importantly your leadership from behind the scenes – is influencing strategies. VChief’s Maddy Niebauer digs into this topic.
Chief of Staff Book
Written for the C-suite, applicable to many. Although ultimately this book is for senior executives (CEOs and board members) who have decisions to make about creating or evolving a chief of staff role, it is written it in such a way that it will be useful to other...
Why Simplifying Isn’t Always The Best Answer to Complexity
Guest Aaron Rinehard argues that in an increasingly complex world, simplifying isn’t always the best way for leadership teams to deal with complexity.
Congrats! You’ve been asked to set up a comms function – now what?
Chiefs of staff in just about every organization play a role in executive communications, but what if you’re asked to set it up a comms team from scratch?
Is Your Exec Managing Too Many Direct Reports?
Is your exec managing too many direct reports? How would you know? Explore some different approaches to span of control.
What Do Phases of Matter Have To Do With The Chief of Staff’s Role in Leading Change?
External or internal pressure drives change, but people do their jobs in a current state. How can you map the transition and most effectively lead change?
Playing Chess, Not Checkers: Intuit’s Brad Smith on the Value of a Chief of Staff Role
You’ve heard me talk about the chief of staff role, but what about the CEO’s perspective on the value it can bring? I interview Intuit’s Chairman and former CEO, Brad Smith.
The Sound of Silence: Do Silent Meetings Work?
Seems like every week you hear about another organization who uses so-called “silent meetings,” but do they work?
I Want to Be a Chief of Staff: Do I Need a PMP?
Do you need a PMP cert to be a useful chief of staff? Probably not, but you’re better off being able to know and apply some of the content, however you acquire it.
Why It Makes Sense to Think About Your Replacement From Day 1
It makes sense to think about your chief of staff replacement from Day 1. Here’s why.