How is a chief of staff different?

The role of a Chief of Staff often prompts questions about its distinction from a Chief Operating Officer (COO), Head of Strategy, or even an Executive Assistant. While some overlaps exist, these positions demand fundamentally different skill sets, experience levels, core missions, and daily responsibilities.

An Executive Assistant primarily focuses on operational execution, handling tasks such as presentation preparation, calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements. In contrast, a COO holds a more senior, line functional management role, with a primary focus on overarching operational planning and strategic execution.

The specific responsibilities of a Chief of Staff can span this spectrum, depending on the business's size and maturity, as well as the scope and seniority of the role itself.