The chief of staff role has been growing in importance and popularity as the pressure on private and public sector leaders intensifies. Called upon to spearhead transformational change, navigate complex business dynamics, balance strategic and tactical priorities, and handle myriad additional tasks, CEOs and other senior executives need to ensure that their own offices function seamlessly. Enter the chief of staff (COS).
Over the past decade, we have had the privilege of convening hundreds of chiefs of staff at McKinsey’s Chief of Staff Forum. Through discussions with the participants, we have gained valuable insights on how to excel in the role. Since then, we have fielded numerous questions about the role’s responsibilities, qualifications, and tenure, including: What experience does a COS need? What responsibilities does the role entail? What future positions does the COS role prepare one for?
To develop an empirical picture of the COS role, we analyzed publicly available data on approximately 250 chiefs of staff who have served in the role within the past eight years. The group is almost evenly split between men and women, and its members have worked at roughly 300 organizations around the world. Our analysis suggests that COS career trajectories and responsibilities vary widely, but a few broad archetypes emerge.
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Our analysis suggests that while there is no one-size-fits-all route into the COS role, exit opportunities are varied and typically lead to more senior positions. The COS role itself is flexible in its parameters and able to accommodate both relatively junior and midcareer senior executives, making it a rich proving ground for future leadership ambitions.
