They effectively relieve burdens and responsibilities from the CEO so that the CEO can focus on what only he/she can do.

To be a capacity creator, an effective chief of staff:

1. Facilitates the flow of information and decisions to make more efficient use of the CEO’s time.
2. Anticipates the needs of the CEO and the organization so they can be met effectively and promptly.
3. Is not a blocker or barrier in the organization who stands between the office of the CEO and everyone else.

Each of these aspects is critical in a chief of staff role. However, failing to avoid the third one can be a culture killer that works against everything a chief of staff can and should be.

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