Did you know that I actually modeled my role as Chief of Staff after the White House Chief of Staff? When I moved into the role around 2013, there were very few resources available outside of military and government Chief of Staff examples, so I used what I could find and adapted it to the corporate world.
Here are some of the original books and articles I read that helped me determine that the Chief of Staff role (rather than another c-suite position) was my career goal:
- Chief of Staff: A Force Multiplier by Dr. Al Chase (This was one of the first articles I found on the Chief of Staff role, and clearly it was the catalyst for my career.)
- The Nerve Center: Lessons in Governing from the White House Chiefs of Staff edited by Terry Sullivan
- Latest CEO accessory: a chief of staff by Beth Kowitt
- The White House Transition Project – The Chief of Staff
- The President’s Chief of Staff: Lessons Learned by James P. Pfifner
The Chief of Staff role has gained incredible popularity in the private sector over the past 10 years and the resources, coaching, and training programs are seemingly endless. There are different “levels” of Chiefs of Staff and Chiefs that serve different purposes depending on their Principal and organization. I agree, there isn’t necessarily a one size fits all approach.
However (and maybe I’m a bit old school here), I tend to lean towards a more traditional definition of the Chief of Staff role and responsibilities. And I think there is a lot we can learn from White House Chiefs of Staff.
One of my favorite books for Force Multipliers is The Gatekeepers: How White House Chiefs of Staff Define Every Presidency by Chris Whipple. This book wasn’t even published until five years into my role as Chief of Staff, though it certainly validated what I was doing and encouraged me to stay the course.
I think it also must be said that as a Chief of Staff or Force Multiplier, you will be judged by the leader you align yourself with and you have to be prepared for that, perhaps more so than most other people in an organization. As an extension of that leader (even if operating behind the scenes), you must consciously consider if your values and vision match. If they don’t, you must be honest with yourself. Would you truly be willing and able to operate at your highest and best if you do not believe wholeheartedly in your leader’s vision? It can be exciting to work next to a high-profile CEO, celebrity, or political figure, and yet you still have to be able to sleep at night. No one can make that decision but you.
And, this, among many other reasons, is why being a Force Multiplier is an incredibly challenging, exciting, mentally and emotionally exhausting, rewarding, demanding, and wonderful career!
– Hallie
WEEKLY TOP 5
1.
Believe it or not, not everyone wants a promotion. In fact, nearly half of Americans don’t want a promotion. Climbing the corporate ladder used to be part of the American dream, so what’s changed? And how do employers motivate their team members if promotion isn’t the “carrot” that it used to be? Click to learn more.
2.
In this TEDx talk, speaker Seth Yelorda offers a refreshing perspective for leaders – where organizations move away from focusing simply on the bottom-line and towards a commitment to helping each employee become the best version of themselves so they can experience their “dream job.” But, first we have to redefine what dream job means and make our employees our primary focus. As Zig Ziglar said, “… you build people and then people build the business.” Take a listen and let me know what you think!
3.
A new AI product from Google, NotebookLM, has some seriously awesome applications, especially for Force Multipliers. Consider this, take your daily briefing notes, recent research, or any other piece of information for leader’s consideration and create an AI audio file/podcast for your Executive. Many leader’s would rather listen to a recap of information summary before making a decision. Now, you have a tool to help you do it. Check out the “how to” from Marqo.ai and give it a try!
4.
This week I finished my 100th book of the year. But, the first book I read in 2024, was Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. If you are ever in doubt about what truly extraordinary customer service looks like, just turn to any page in this book. When I listened to this book, I immediately thought, “This is how great Force Multipliers operate.” Hospitality is a mindset first and this book shows you how to harness that mindset into systems and processes that transform companies.
5.
The holidays are right around the corner. What do you get someone who has everything they could want or need? How about a reminder that they could die any day? Thinking about death every day actually makes every moment that much more meaningful. Pair the 4k Weeks poster with a copy of Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman and you’re set!
ON THE BLOG
Not Just Support: Force Multipliers Taking the Lead on Career Change
This week, we have a great guest post from Katie Montbriand, co-founder & Storyteller at Compass Rewire. The past doesn’t have to dictate the future. At any point in your career, you have the opportunity to chart a different course. Read on for 5 strategies to help you navigate toward your next chapter.
