Parmenio - Chief of Staff

It is highly likely that you will be asked during the interview process the following question, “so tell me, how do you implement a new process?”  And if you’re already a Chief of Staff, it’s likely you will be asked to implement a new process. On this episode of the podcast we first define “process” and “process orientation.” We then review the Business Process Maturity model and Hammer’s 7 principles of process management. And to wrap it up, we outline the high level steps to implement a new process. 

On this episode of the podcast we dive into “leader positivity.” Leader positivity is a mindset and a way of behaving and approaching things that is characterized by four attributes. The four attributes that comprise leader positivity are efficacy, optimism, hope and resiliency. We first define leader positivity, then we break down each attribute. For each attribute we describe specific methods that you can use to develop them. 

On this episode of the podcast we describe value based decision making. Value based decision making is both powerful and elegant. The power lies from the fact that they are derived from the values of the organization. First, we give and overview of what value based decision making is. Next, we discuss research that Bain Consulting has done on decision making. We then give and overview of the value based models that Bezos, Benioff and Reed Hastings use. And finally, we review an approach that you can use to develop a value based decision making model. This method can be used to practice and sharpen your skills. 

It’s back to OKR’s! On this episode of the podcast we review John Doerr’s five OKR superpowers. John Doerr is a legendary VC and a major advocate of OKR’s, and Doerr personally introduced OKR’s to Google. We review Doerr’s five OKR superpowers and add additionally clarity and analysis. The five superpowers are focus, alignment, commitment, tracking and stretch goals. We assess the five superpowers and analyze the veracity of each claim. 

On this episode of the podcast we develop a framework and a plan for the First 100 Days on the job as a Chief of Staff. The framework we present is adaptable and iterative in nature, yet has a strong foundational core. The goal of any such “100 Day Plan” is to build credibility, confidence, motivation and momentum. We want to approach the First 100 Days with confidence and action. We first touch on the accomplishments of FDR’s first 100 days in office. We then outline a balanced plan that consists of immersion / learning and action / results. Finally, we integrate behaviors into the plan that build trust, psychological safety and inspiration / motivation in the organization. Our goal is to hit the ground running and make an impact in the first 100 days. 

On this episode of the podcast we describe a Primary Research Method To accelerate your mastery of the CEO Agenda. This method can be used by both the current Chief of Staff and someone interviewing for the role. First, we describe a Research Method whereby you interview a select group of individuals (interview subjects) in the organization. This is a qualitative research project, using an interview protocol and open ended questions.  The research objective is to discern alignment, consistency and obstacles / constraints with the CEO Agenda. We then describe the 7 steps that allow you to complete this project; from the proposal stage to delivering the written and oral reports. This project will increase your knowledge of the organization, help you to build relationships and allow you to gain greater mastery in your role. 

On this episode of the podcast we explore “shadowing,” and how the Chief of Staff uses this training method to accelerate their knowledge and understanding of the CEO. First, we define observational shadowing, and explore some of the nuances. Next, we we describe how you prepare for the shadowing process. We detail the seven steps you should complete before you start the actual shadowing process. Then, we put it all together and describe how a day of shadowing is executed. 

The Chief of Staff’s core role is to drive and implement the Agenda of the CEO. Part of the CEO agenda includes articulating a set of values that the CEO wants the organization to “live by.” On this episode of the podcast we first define what values are. We then use Schein’s model to better understand the complex nature of values in an organization. And finally, we describe specific methods that the Chief of Staff can use to reinforce their partner’s values, and how the Chief Of Staff uses these methods to create higher levels of Value Alignment. 

This episode of the podcast is for Advanced Practitioners that have a love for rhetoric and debate. On this episode we will explore how we use rhetoric to both to both promote the Chief Of Staff role, and to defend it against attacks. We use the example from a Quora thread in which a CEO uses strawman arguments to discredit the role of the Chief of Staff in startups. We then describe different methods to position against these strawman attacks.