Member Directory

Diligence the CEO as much as you can—this will likely make or break the experience.

There are many ways to add value; focus on areas where you excel.

Use executive’s name sparingly to avoid losing your power. Think of it as a four letter word.”

Create downtime to think several steps ahead of LT

build internal relationships to be able to lead without authority

Look for opportunities where you can jump in and help - do the work that no one else has time to do.

Set clear expectations on process and c-level entry topics based on accomplishment/importance

Take initiative to get to know / build relationships with the broader team

Send meeting agendas ahead of time to triangulate/focus on goals for the conversation

Keep your perspective.

1) Know what you want to on vs. build then pass on. 2) Don't underestimate the value of listening.

Acute listening is the best skill you can possess

For recurring meetings, while it's still fresh, mock up your next agenda or deck after each meeting, folding in anything that should be new or different.

Trust is the key element for a successful partnership with an Executive. Trust is Ability, Integrity and Benevolence

Don't be afraid to admit when you don't understand something.

Clarify expectations and ask for feedback often to ensure alignment with the Executive!

As CoS, it's easy to get overwhelmed with tasks big and small. Focus on 1 big task at a time

You should be like black ops - the mission is successful because of you, but very few people know

Always be willing to listen and learn!

Recognition goes a long way!

The best advice I've ever gotten is to NEVER turn down a seat at the table, even if it's just to take notes.

Build relationships and trust with team members within your Principal's sphere of influence

Teamwork

Create an Asana board for each of the CEO's direct reports so I can follow all of their projects.

Take your responsibility to be the voice of your organization seriously. Be neutral, inclusive, and actively listen.

Be a sponge!

Transparency and communication are at the core of success in this role

Nothing is more important than trust: others' trust in you and your own trust in yourself.

Always pay attention to the small things

set boundaries!

Empathy and listening - you need to be able to see things through others view to make progress

Think a step ahead

Overcommunication early on is key!

Never let them see you sweat, maintain a smile and calm/positive demeanor

Focus on maintaining breadth rather than depth

Use objective criteria/data to explain actions and manage negotiations with clients/staff

Lead by doing. Nothing is above your paygrade.

Automate everything - Microsoft Flow, Zapier... makes you look awesome + superpowers efficiency!

Be the most nimble, flexible and open to change leader in the room.

Not sure yet! I'll share as soon as I figure that out!

If it only takes a few minutes, do it now!

building trust with the executive team is ciritial for success

Ask a lot of questions and LISTEN to the answer. Helps build trust and gain buy in.

Structure and clarity are keys to success

The thing to learn best is the decision making framework of one's executive

Write everything down!

2 lasagnas stacked on top of each other is just 1 lasagna

Regularly ask why. E.g. why are we taking on a new project - a lot of people don't ask this question

Build trust among your leadership by finding ways to help them, put their needs before your own to start. How can you make their day to day a bit easier to build that bridge.

Actively build your team or your tribe. This job can sometimes feel lonely and isolating (and i'm sure many of the leaders we support feel the same). Find people within your organization and especially within your leader's inner circle who you can trust and collaborate with.

Ask the kind of questions that get people to elaborate. Let people talk, and listen carefully.

TBD!

Remain calm and carry on

Ask all the dumb questions and set expectations at the outset

Listen first, always

You are only as effective as your curiosity!

Have a clear missions statement that employees can rally behind and contribute to

TBD

Step back and evaluate your priorities at least 1x a week

Be flexible, adaptable, and proactive

Own it, drive for results, always deliver, and bring others along

Listen, and build credibility fast.

Learn to handle ambiguity.

Your job will change every 6 months (at least in a startup/scaleup)

A morning standup walk on the phone (we are remote) gets us physically moving and mentally aligned

Leading by asking questions and facilitating others to find a solution is typically stronger than providing the solution yourself.

Be curious, listen and observe, plan and get buy-in before springing into action

Listen; build relationships deep into the organization

Spend a lot of time developing relationships

COS is a generalist role - identify 1-2 areas where you can become an SME to add value

Design your role to fit your character, not your character to fit your role.

do, what is Play for you, and Work for other.

For team/company/partner initiatives: impossible to get anything done successfully if people don't feel they've been heard throughout the process - even if you'll eventually make a decision or implement a process they don't like. For principals: no matter how closely you work together/how informal your relationship, important to maintain deference re: ultimate authority.

You need to be proactive and find the missing gaps between leadership team and rest of the team

So far: Think hard about how you frame the role with others when starting, and set clear boundaries.

Figure out what are your CEO's big priorities and take the medium/small priorities off their plate

Relationships outside of the executive office are just as important as inside. Build these by asking people how you can be of help to them.

Listen more than you talk.

Success is highly dependent on the health of your relationship with your leader.

Be crystal clear on your focus (Principal, Leadership Team, Organization) and get yourself OKRs that will drive your focus and impact :)

Don't underestimate the advocacy & expectation setting that should happen when starting.

Positive discontent - always search for improvement opportunities

Challenge the status quo and offer new perspective

Inbox visibility with the CEO is a game changer (we use our own product for this!)