Chiefs of staff who have to invoke their principal’s name to get anything done.

You know the type:

• “The boss said he wants this by the end of the day.”
• “I don’t know why, she just said to do it.”
• “I’d hate to have to tell the boss that’s what you think.”

Ugh, ugh, and UGH!

As a chief of staff, don’t be intellectually lazy. Put in the hard work to earn the respect and trust of the entire organization. Lead through influence, not with a billy club with your boss’ name on it. Use your power of persuasion to drive results.

Sure, invoking his/her name will have the intended effect. But not for long. The people around you will tire of it. And you’ll come to be seen as a paper tiger; maybe even a henchman. That’s not good for you, or anyone else.

Chiefs of staff who hide behind their boss’ authority, rather than through the stature they’ve established, are the talk of the water cooler, undermine organizational culture, and, in the end, hurt rather than help the CEO.

To be a successful chief of staff, take the long view of success. Don’t take shortcuts for easy wins. Otherwise, you won’t be a chief of staff long.

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