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Catalysing Innovation
Catalysing Innovation
Reflections from chiefs of staff at the Harvard Business School Executive Education Programme
Contents
Trent Smyth AM
2 min read
Introduction
Trent Smyth AM, CEO of The Chief of Staff Association, reflects on his time during the Harvard programme and discusses the multifaceted nature of the chief of staff role.
3 min read
The Power in Personal Influence
Chiefs of staff shape their own roles, balancing formal operational and strategic responsibilities with building relationships and understanding dynamic power structures.
Jean Becker
3 min read
Leading From Where You Are
While the formal leadership position of the chief of staff is often contested, chiefs of staff exert extraordinary influence by leading effectively below the radar.
3 min read
Eating an Elephant One Bite at a Time
Articulating a problem, breaking it down into manageable chunks, acting as a lubricant between different teams: the chief of staff is at the centre of problem-solving and crisis response.
Jean Becker
3 min read
Catalysing Innovation and Reinvention
The chief of staff creates the context in which innovation can emerge, through structure, culture, and moving effortlessly between all layers in the hierarchy.
4 min read
Summoning Curiosity
Productive conversations and achieving 'buy-in' across the organisation start with openness and asking good questions, while listening and learning before feeling pressure to respond.
Jean Becker
2 min read