From Control Freak to Leader: Principal’s Perspective on Delegation and Trust with Chief of Staff
When Bethany McAleer, Chief Actuary and Chief Analytics Officer at Johns Hopkins, brought on a Chief of Staff, she didn’t fully understand the value the role would bring. But that decision reshaped her leadership. She breaks down how learning to delegate and trust her acting Chief of Staff, Natalie, helped her grow from a hands-on leader into a more strategic one.
Key Takeaways
You don’t know you need a Chief of Staff until you have one. Bethany initially doubted the role, but now can’t imagine leading without it.
Delegation isn’t natural for many leaders—especially control freaks. But letting go is necessary to grow.
Leadership growth often comes out of necessity. Bethany admits her biggest progress came when she hit personal and professional walls.
Notable Quotes
“I’m a control freak. I like to have my hands in all the pots… but it’s not sustainable.”
“As you move up in leadership, it becomes less about what you know and more about who you are.”
“It’s hard to give your boss feedback—but Natalie tells me what I need to hear.”
Real-World Applications
Creating Space to Lead Strategically:
Example: Bethany handed over email drafting to Natalie. Result? She had more time to focus on team dynamics and strategy.Letting Go of Control as a Leader:
Example: Bethany realized she couldn’t do it all and had to step back to allow others—including Natalie—to step up.Co-Evolving Leadership Roles:
Example: As Bethany’s role expanded, so did Natalie’s. They regularly talk about how to support each other through those changes.
Leadership is messy. Letting go is hard. But trusting someone to step in and support your vision can unlock growth—for the leader, the team, and the entire organization. Bethany didn’t just delegate tasks—she invited a partner into her leadership. And that made all the difference.
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.