Summary
Today’s design organizations continuously face increased scope, complex deliverables, challenging people dynamics, and pressure to hit business goals. For this reason, it’s important to reevaluate how DesignOps leadership is supported so that they can be as efficient and effective as possible. An emerging solution to this challenge is the Chief of Staff role — DesignOps practitioners skilled in values-driven leadership at scale, ruthless prioritization, and building trusted partnerships, who can serve as an advisor, proxy, and operational leader to the heads of large design teams. Here’s what Isaac has learned while defining this new leadership path in DesignOps at Salesforce. Takeaways: How to lead your team as the scope of your responsibility widens How to build trusted operational partnerships How to navigate complex situations on your team as you scale up
Key Insights
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The Chief of Staff serves as a critical link between design operations and executive leadership.
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Successful design operations require strategic prioritization and efficient communication channels.
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Emotional intelligence is crucial for navigating workplace dynamics at higher executive levels.
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The Chief of Staff role encompasses various personas, including goalkeeper, operator, and advisor.
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Operationalizing programs, strategic planning, and maintaining partnerships are key functions of the Chief of Staff.
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Design program managers can share similarities with Chief of Staff roles but focus on project-specific needs.
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As teams grow, particularly beyond 100 members, there is an increasing need for a Chief of Staff to manage operations.
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Building trust and relationships within the organization is essential for a Chief of Staff's success.
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Effective resource allocation and using tools like spreadsheets can streamline operations.
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The Chief of Staff role is evolving and presents new opportunities for individuals in design operations.
Notable Quotes
"Thank you for your interest in the chief of staff role for design."
"The trusted partnership between the chief of staff and the executive is critically important."
"This was my reaction when I heard the news of doubling our team overnight."
"I quickly saw this as an opportunity to solve big complex organizational problems."
"Relationships are at the heart of our organization."
"The chief of staff serves as a bridge between design program managers and executive leadership."
"Communication is an integral part of the chief of staff role."
"Managing multiple high-profile projects is absolutely crucial for this role."
"The chief of staff can be the bridge between design program managers and the executive team."
"I'm confident that the next wave of design Chiefs of Staff are sitting right here in this audience."
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