Cocktail Recommendations for Chief of Staffs: A Fun Twist on Leadership

In the world of leadership, Chief of Staffs (CoS) hold a unique and pivotal role, blending strategic vision with daily operational tasks. But what if we added a fun twist to this discussion? In this post, we explore the leadership philosophy through the eyes of a two-time Chief of Staff, Natalie Crohn. We’ll examine her journey and her leadership lessons, all while mixing in some metaphorical cocktails that embody the Chief of Staff’s role.

Key Takeaways

• The Chief of Staff’s Role is Ever-Evolving: It starts with a strong foundation in project management but transforms into a more strategic and high-level role. Success often requires adaptability and learning.

• Embrace the Discovery Phase: Early in the role, meeting with key players, asking questions, and understanding pain points are critical steps in determining how best to serve your leader and organization.

• Time Management is Everything: A CoS juggles multiple priorities daily. Tools like OneNote and PowerPoint help in staying organized and ensuring everything aligns with the broader organizational goals.

Notable Quotes

1. "Every day is different, and that's what I love about being a Chief of Staff."

2. "Building relationships from day one is essential. It's all about connection."

3. "A good leader helps you embrace your strengths and empowers you to improve on your weaknesses."

Real-World Application

1. One-on-One Conversations
   Example: To understand team needs and challenges, Natalie conducted one-on-one meetings. This helped her pinpoint pain points and identify areas of focus, allowing her to make strategic decisions for the organization.

2. Coaching Fridays
   Example: Natalie’s team practices coaching every other Friday to enhance leadership and self-awareness. This initiative encourages leaders to improve their coaching skills, benefiting the entire organization.

3. Time Management Tools
   Example: With multiple projects on her plate, Natalie uses OneNote to track her leader’s priorities and stay on top of her tasks. This tool helps her ensure that the organization’s goals are always aligned with her actions.

Being a Chief of Staff is no easy task, but it offers the chance to work at the intersection of strategy and execution. With the right mindset, tools, and relationships, a CoS can drive positive outcomes across the organization. And maybe, just like a well-mixed cocktail, the role combines a little bit of everything – adaptability, leadership, learning, and a dash of fun. Cheers to all Chiefs of Staff out there!

00:57 Guest Introduction: Natalie Cron

01:27 Natalie's Journey to Chief of Staff

05:28 Transitioning Between Chief of Staff Roles

09:46 The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership

11:59 The Role of Coaching Fridays in Leadership Development

17:26 The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace

24:12 Advice for New Chiefs of Staff

28:08 Tools for Staying Organized as a Chief of Staff

32:09 The Chief of Staff Cocktail: A Fun Analogy

33:21 Final Thoughts

• Natalie on LinkedIn

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.