It is essential for a newly promoted Chief of Staff to have a deep project management perspective. While this is not all that is required of them, knowing how to create a compelling project and how to manage it will put them in good stead to succeed. They are basically in the role of CoS to lead and pull together different stakeholders on making initiatives forward.
Here are some of the most important factors to get buy-in for your projects as a Chief of Staff:
Clear and Concise Purpose
The first thing to have is a clear and concise purpose for the project. This could be something like, "The goal of this project is to increase sales by 10% in the next quarter." The important part is that everyone understands what the goal is and why it is important. By having something that is measurable, it will be easier to track progress and determine if the project was successful.
Good Communication
Determining and figuring out the purpose of the project, it is now the time to convey your message to those who will be involved or affected by the project. Getting buy-in from those who are part of the project or who will be implementing it is crucial. Try to give many fillers or details but make it short and sweet. Connect all the important points, the theme, and the overall purpose in a way that is memorable and gets them to act. Be inspiring and motivating in your delivery, but also be clear about what you want from them. This way, you are to set what you are expecting from all the parties involved in the project in a way that is respectful and professional.
Perfectly Structured Presentation
When creating a project that involves not one but many departments, it is important to have a well-structured presentation. This should include an overview of the project, how it aligns with the company's vision, how it will help achieve the main goals or metrics for the quarter, what the expected outcomes are, and why it is important for the specific departments involved. Create a presentation in a ladder format: start with the broad overview and then go into more specifics. With this, you can easily convey and emphasize the importance of each section of the project and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Final Thoughts
Behind every project's success is leadership that is well built, well planned, and well-executed. As a Chief of Staff, you play a pivotal role in making sure that the project meets its goals. By taking the time to understand the purpose of the project and getting buy-ins from all those who are involved, you set yourself and the project up for success. Remember that it all starts with having to communicate and convey the message in the most concise and inspiring way. Line up all the points based on their importance and impact, and then deliver them in the most structured way. With this, you are sure to get the project approved and supported by all those who matter.
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