Beyond the EA: Unveiling the True Value of a Chief of Staff for CEOs

I was an Executive Assistant for nearly two decades.  In my work as an EA, I saw a common pitfall among many CEOs. 

Picture it with me.  A CEO is on the brink of burnout.   They’re working 80 hour weeks but crucial matters fall through the cracks.  They desperately need strategic and operational support.  But they scratch their heads and say– “I’m just spending too much time outside my zone of genius.” 

The assessment is correct;  their day contains too many tasks that don’t move the needle.  But their solution is off when (nine out of ten times) they default to hiring an EA.

There’s no arguing– an EA can work miracles in administration, scheduling, and organization.  But, through no fault of their own, they may not always be the panacea the CEO is looking for.

When I made the transition from EA to Entrepreneur over 20 years ago, I saw this same pattern from another perspective.  I watched many struggling business owners throw up their hands and hire an EA.  Yet this was rarely the solution they were looking for.  I’ve seen this far too many times.

The mistake lies in assuming that an EA will inherently resolve all the complexities that arise when steering a company. While an EA’s role is undeniably essential, they can’t always fix the root of the problem.  They can’t always “clear” a CEO’s plate. 

An EA often adds more managerial tasks to a CEO’s to-do list. Often, a CEO spends more time directing their assistant instead of getting the guidance and support they need.

Enter the Chief of Staff.

I’ve witnessed Chiefs of Staff uplevel so many businesses. Chiefs of Staff often have prior experience as EAs and bring a comprehensive skill set to the table.  They’re not just experienced in administration.  They understand business strategy and efficient execution.  Andthey provide invaluable guidance to the CEO.

The Chief of Staff’s value is able to go far beyond traditional EA responsibilities. There might be some overlap from time to time.  But their primary focus is what sets them apart. 

They understand business strategy and can execute it efficiently.  They serve as a real-life sounding board for the CEO.  They implement ultra-organized processes, operations, and clear communication pathways.

The transition from an EA to a Chief of Staff is not simply a title change; it’s an evolution in strategy and impact.

CEOs need more than a “fixer” for day-to-day challenges.  They need a partner who can navigate the intricate landscape of business strategy. 

They don’t need someone to react to obstacles;  they need someone to forsee them.  They need a right-hand who can provide support that transcends administrative tasks.

It’s time for CEOs to reconsider their default solution and explore the transformative potential of a Chief of Staff.  Why hire someone to put out fires when you can hire someone to prevent them?

CEOs deserve quality guidance and support they need to navigate the complex and fierce world of business.  And a Chief of Staff can give it to them.

 

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