The retreat is both a laboratory and ultimate safe space, one designed to let you “try on for size” unfamiliar, nerve-wracking leadership styles and get real-time feedback on the efficacy of each approach. It’s both familiar and intensely challenging. It’s summer camp, or a new school, or the first day at a new job, except that this time there’s nothing you could do that would screw it up.
Read MoreWhen we take the time to reflect, we open the door to uncovering hidden insights that can help us to make better decisions in the future.
Read MoreIn practical terms, I use the mantra as a sort of verbal touchstone during meetings, planning sessions, and even heads-down work. Its wry inversion of negativity reliably makes people chuckle when I invoke it during challenging conversations, and I’ve learned that saying it aloud can diffuse tense moments and break through impasses.
Read MoreYour operations roadmap is your current set of explicit, fully articulated goals for improving the company’s “how”—its processes, systems, tools, reporting, communication, and more. The roadmap should cover both near-term and long-term initiatives, and while it serves an important organizing function, it also has two other vital benefits.
Read MoreMy approach to self-care is grounded in the concept of the stress cycle, and focuses on the rhythms that we need to build into our days and weeks if we want to perform at a high level for multiple years.
Read MoreAn effective COO is responsive to the unique needs of both the company and its CEO, so the role always varies between occupants and firms—sometimes to such an extent that two COOs might have almost completely dissimilar duties. Because the scope of a company’s operations is so broad, there is an extent to which the COO is a gap-filler position, an organization-focused executive brought in to compensate for vulnerabilities or to create strategically vital bandwidth for the leadership team.
Read MoreYou will succeed or fail by your calendar. It requires constant, proactive management as well as tight coordination with your administrative assistant. It also requires a shift in both mindset and priorities.
Read MoreUsing the Second Brain framework by Tiago Forte has transformed how I channel my reading into actionable insights in my role as a startup COO in a corporate setting. This technique lets me operate efficiently and authentically by effortlessly commencing projects with resonating ideas.
Read MoreUnsurprisingly, I’ve learned the most (and the fastest) when I’ve been uncomfortable. But that’s the fun of it all, isn’t it?
Read MoreI’ve sat through exec team meetings every week for the last 4 years. Some good, most okay, some downright bad. The better meetings all happened to include a meeting leader focused on making the most out of the time. The worst? They relied on the group to figure it out on the fly.
Read MoreHere’s how I approached my job search, and found my dream job, without knowing exactly what I wanted.
Read MoreIn an ever-increasingly complex business world, leaders cannot disappear for weeks at a time to pursue a flow state at an ashram. While a thorough rest and recharge are always helpful, it’s more realistic to look for ways to trigger a flow state that simultaneously drive results in your business.
Read MoreAfter reading The Verge's article, relief that I wasn't Steph's Chief of Staff quickly turned into fascination. I couldn't stop thinking about all the ways an experienced Chief of Staff could have helped the Away team and, perhaps, saved Steph from her demise.
Read MoreImagine getting to be the first Chief of Staff at a company. You get to define the role for the company and for the entire team, CXOs included. I’ve gotten the chance to do this and while it’s not easy, it’s immensely satisfying work for the right personality.
Read MoreA reader asked me how I keep track of connections, especially with fellow Chiefs of Staff and other new people I encounter on a regular basis. I just so happened to have recently implemented a whole new system!
Read MoreLet’s talk about why Bed Bath & Beyond needs to figure out what they’re going to be great at, choose what they’re going to be bad at, and own that decision unapologetically.
Read MoreMeetings that used to be impromptu now require planning, and a room, and remembering all the proper attendees, and omg why can’t I find a time that works for everyone?!
So where can we start? Consistent vocabulary.
Read MoreIt’s a phrase I use to define all the well-run, inspiring organizations that make the world a better place. They do so not by being the biggest, the best, or the most well known. Instead, they deliver flawless experiences, reliable service, or must-have products.
Read MoreWhile she’s not a Chief of Staff, her approach to an unconventional (and seemingly meandering) career is an inspiration for curious generalists like Chiefs of Staff.
Read MoreI know, you’re not POTUS. Nor are you a decorated General. But, the Chief of Staff role has expanded into the private sector. The early adopters of this new role are quietly reaping the results. It's an edge for the modern executive. Couldn't you use an edge?
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I’ve sat through exec team meetings every week for the last 4 years. Some good, most okay, some downright bad. The better meetings all happened to include a meeting leader focused on making the most out of the time. The worst? They relied on the group to figure it out on the fly.