Close the gap:

Trent Smyth AM, CEO of The Chief of Staff Association, sets out the key issues affecting business transformation in today’s volatile environment.

The role of the chief of staff in business transformation is discussed, highlighting the importance of using both interpersonal and technical skills in order to effectively lead change.

The majority of the tasks that chiefs of staff have to fulfill require excellent active listening skills. By creating a safe space for feedback and ensuring employees feel heard, they can respond effectively to any concerns.

The specific skills required for active listening are explored by focusing on what employees need to create a safe space for giving and receiving genuine feedback while ensuring they feel heard.

Whether it’s hacks, shortcuts or workarounds, unconventional routes and solutions are crucial for the chief of staff position. They allow faster and more powerful change to be propagated in the organisation.

Chiefs of staff embracing discomfort and playing more of a contrarian role in their relationships with their principals is pivotal for addressing and voicing concerns in the organisation.

From emotional intelligence to resilience, chiefs of staff should leverage both their intrinsic and extrinsic skills to tackle problems associated with organisational transformation.

Chiefs of staff embracing discomfort and playing more of a contrarian role in the relationships with their principals is pivotal for addressing and voicing concerns in the organisation.

Placing boundaries, taking time for one’s self and prioritising mental health are some of the most important factors in being a successful chief of staff and seamlessly achieving organisational transformation.

Placing boundaries, taking time for one’s self and prioritising mental health are some of the most important factors in being a successful chief of staff and seamlessly achieving organisational transformation.