How the COO & Chief of Staff Roles Actually Work Together
Former colleagues Emily Sander, who was the Chief of Staff, and Alex Papadopoulos, the Chief Operating Officer with a technical background, share their firsthand experiences and explain how their roles interacted within their organization. They clarify their responsibilities and the synergy that was required for their company's success.
Key Takeaways
Relationship Building Matters: Strong relationships among the leadership team foster trust and candor. These relationships facilitate honest conversations and unified action, which are essential for overcoming disagreements and executing plans effectively.
Focus and Prioritization: A COS helps keep the leadership team focused on established priorities, preventing "shiny object syndrome". This focus ensures that the company's energy is directed toward the most critical objectives.
Unified Voice in Communication: The COS often serves as the point person for company-wide announcements, ensuring a unified voice from leadership. This helps create a sense of unification and alignment across the organization.
Notable Quotes
"You got to work together, and you have to also let go of certain things and stay connected on others."
"You have to be very diplomatic with everyone... the relationships are very important at every level".
"The communication relationship piece is like the foundation of it, and you have to have that and take the time to invest in that."
Real-World Applications
Maintaining Project Focus: A COO can ensure that project teams adhere to established timelines and objectives, preventing deviations that could derail the project.
Example: A marketing team is launching a new product campaign. The COO ensures the team stays on schedule and within budget by monitoring progress and addressing any roadblocks.
Creating Organizational Alignment: A Chief of Staff can facilitate communication between different departments, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned on strategic goals.
Example: A company is undergoing a merger. The Chief of Staff organizes meetings between the merging companies' leadership teams to align on goals, values, and operational processes.
Crisis Communication: During a crisis, a leadership team can implement daily stand-up meetings to maintain open communication and ensure everyone is informed of rapidly changing information.
Example: A company experiences a data breach. The leadership team holds daily stand-up meetings to provide updates on the situation, coordinate response efforts, and communicate with stakeholders.
The COO and COS roles, while distinct, require a high degree of collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. By prioritizing clear communication, adaptability, relationship building, and strategic focus, organizations can maximize the effectiveness of their leadership teams and drive success.
00:55 Guest Introduction: Alex Papadopoulos
01:28 Understanding the Role of Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer
01:48 Alex's Journey to Fusion Zone
04:30 The Evolution of Roles within the Company
14:15 The Importance of Strategic Prioritization
15:10 The Impact of PBS Sessions
17:55 Understanding the Role of a Chief of Staff
19:39 The Importance of Communication in Leadership
20:12 Comparing Traditional and Non-Traditional Organizational Structures
22:16 The Dynamic Relationship Between Executives and Chiefs of Staff
30:33 Navigating Through Crisis: The COVID-19 Experience
33:48 The Interplay Between the Chief of Staff and the CEO
36:24 Reflecting on the Relationship Between the COO and the Chief of Staff
39:03 Closing Remarks and Appreciation
Reach out to Alex Papadopulos.
Connect with Alex Papadopulos on LinkedIn.
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.