What’s a Chief of Staff?

Written By Mouna Boujmal

In the world of leadership and management, the role of a Chief of Staff (CoS) is often described as a “force multiplier.”

But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down.

A Chief of Staff is a strategic partner to leaders, typically CEOs or executives. Think of them as the glue that connects big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution. Their job is to ensure the organization runs smoothly and that leaders can focus on what they do best—leading.

What Do They Do, Really?

While every Chief of Staff role is unique and tailored to the needs of the organization, here are the core areas they typically focus on:

  • Strategic Alignment: Ensuring that goals, initiatives, and teams are all moving in the same direction.

  • Operations Oversight: Streamlining processes and removing roadblocks to keep operations efficient.

  • Communication Hub: Acting as a bridge between leaders and teams, ensuring information flows seamlessly across the organization.

  • Project Management: Leading special projects or initiatives that require cross-departmental collaboration.

  • Problem-Solving: Anticipating challenges and finding solutions before they escalate.

Why Does It Matter?

Organizations often face complex challenges—rapid growth, shifting priorities, or the need to scale. A Chief of Staff brings clarity to chaos, helping leaders focus on high-value decisions while keeping the team on track.

For smaller organizations, hiring a full-time CoS may not be feasible. That’s where fractional or part-time Chiefs of Staff, like those at Tandem, provide high-impact support without the overhead.

Who Needs a Chief of Staff?

A Chief of Staff is invaluable for:

  • CEOs or executives juggling multiple priorities.

  • Organizations in transition or experiencing rapid growth.

  • Teams needing better alignment across departments.

In Summary

A Chief of Staff is a strategic partner, an operations expert, and a leadership advisor all in one. Whether full-time or fractional, they help organizations run more smoothly, allowing leaders to focus on vision and impact.

Mouna Boujmal