Summary
“There’s something about the title or the idea of the chief of staff that seems to be in the zeitgeist.” — Chris Whipple, “The Gatekeepers” The role of Chief of Staff is trending across all industries, but for some the journey is unorthodox and may require good timing and a strong pitch to create the role. Add to the adventure that no two Chief of Staff roles are likely to be the same. Lisa will share her journey from UX to Design Ops to Chief of Staff, including some of the methods that she uses to make her way: be the beacon, spread the light, and support your team, even in times of high anxiety.
Key Insights
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Communication skills are crucial for a chief of staff.
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Adaptability and a willingness to learn are key traits for success in ever-changing roles.
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Building relationships within an organization can greatly enhance workplace effectiveness.
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Creativity in problem-solving can lead to innovative solutions and team cohesion.
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Juggling multiple priorities is part of the role; being organized and transparent can help manage expectations.
Notable Quotes
"I got here by having a degree in French and English literature."
"If you ask 10 chiefs of staff what they do, you will get back 20 job descriptions."
"You can control what happens to you but you can control how you respond to it."
"I try to practice levity because coming in every day is hard work and we need to laugh."
"The world needs more glitter."
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