Finding the Right Chief of Staff: A Guide for Leaders
If you are a leader looking for a Chief of Staff or a similar role, you can save yourself valuable time in the search process by getting specific about what you need.
More than many roles, the title “Chief of Staff” may indicate certain responsibilities but obscure others regarding the skills that will be most beneficial for you. The position can vary widely depending on the organization, the leader’s working style, and the specific challenges at hand.
The Chief of Staff: A Generalist with a Purpose
What keeps the role of Chief of Staff interesting is its generalist, cross-functional nature. A Chief of Staff can navigate various areas of your organization and facilitate communication and collaboration across them. That’s the known aspect of the role. The chief of staff serves as a force multiplier, helping leaders streamline decision-making, execute strategic priorities, and manage stakeholder relationships.
But what makes a Chief of Staff truly effective is not just their ability to move across functions but how they integrate their generalist skills with their specific background and expertise. The key factor in finding the right-fit Chief of Staff for you is understanding what particular skill sets or industry knowledge someone brings to the role.
Getting Clear on What You Need
To identify the right person, ask yourself:
What should look different six months or a year from now? By understanding what needs to change, you can better identify the skills needed to get there.
What gaps am I trying to fill? Are you looking for someone with deep operational expertise? A strategic advisor? A communications and stakeholder management pro? The more clarity you have on what you need, the better your search will be.
Where do I need leverage? A Chief of Staff can help manage priorities, lead special projects, and improve organizational efficiency. But do you need someone who excels at internal operations, external relations, or both?
What kind of experience will complement my leadership? Do you need someone with startup experience? Government or policy knowledge? A background in finance? While a Chief of Staff is a generalist, the right experience makes a significant difference in how quickly they can add value.
The Balance Between Generalist and Specialist
The best Chiefs of Staff bring a unique mix of adaptability and expertise. They can shift between high-level strategy and hands-on execution, bridging organizational gaps and accelerating progress.
For example:
If you’re leading a high-growth startup, a Chief of Staff with experience in scaling operations and investor relations might be the best fit.
If you’re running a large, established organization, you may need someone skilled in internal change management and cross-departmental coordination.
If external communications and partnerships are key priorities, you might seek a Chief of Staff with a background in PR, government relations, or stakeholder engagement.
Final Thoughts
The Chief of Staff role is dynamic, which is why it’s essential to go beyond the title and define what success looks like for your unique needs. Understanding the intersection of generalist skills and specialized experience will help you find the right person who not only complements your leadership but also fills the gaps that will move your organization forward.
The clearer you are on what you need, the easier it will be to find a Chief of Staff who can hit the ground running and help you lead with impact.
