Emily Sander talks about the importance of conversations focused on understanding, not always on doing. As a Chief of Staff, you're often in "go mode," but sometimes it's essential to just listen and understand a team member's perspective. She gives tips like changing the conversation's setting or tone to foster better understanding and notes that this skill is key for mediating disagreements and improving team performance.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in Touch With Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?

If we haven’t yet before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:

01:02 Effective Communication Strategies for Chiefs of Staff
02:52 Mediating and Facilitating Better Understanding
06:01 Investing in Workplace Relationships

Melissa Yap shares her journey to becoming Chief of Staff at Deloitte, highlighting the shift from client-facing roles to internal strategic leadership. She discusses the challenges of embracing a less visible role and the unique perspective it offers, such as connecting diverse teams and driving strategic initiatives. Melissa explains how her experience in consulting and her proactive approach to connecting with other Chiefs of Staff globally enrich her current role.

Links Mentioned:

• Mel Yap’s LinkedIn Article: Demystifying the Chief of Staff Role

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in Touch With Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?

If we haven’t yet before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:

00:58 Melissa's Journey to Chief of Staff
02:46 Early Challenges and Personal Growth
07:30 Deloitte's Global Structure
09:53 Connecting with Other Chiefs of Staff
13:55 Operational and Strategic Responsibilities
17:43 Prioritizing Strategic Initiatives
24:50 Writing the LinkedIn Article
28:41 Reflections on the Chief of Staff Role
34:36 Advice for Chiefs of Staff and Principals

Emily shares a story about a Chief of Staff facing resistance from their boss who prioritizes efficiency and speed over detailed planning. The Chief of Staff is encouraged to roll out initiatives that may feel only 60% complete to get things started, with the idea that they can be improved over time. The central lesson is about meeting people halfway and making incremental progress in leadership strategies.

Links Mentioned:

• Clarity Call with Emily

Free Resources:

• Strategic Planning Checklist
• Chief of Staff Skills Assessment Checklist
• A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff
• Chief of Staff Toolkit

Get in Touch With Emily:

• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on YouTube
• Learn more about coaching
• Sign up for the newsletter
• Clarity Call with Emily

Who Am I?

If we haven’t yet before - Hi👋 I’m Emily, Chief of Staff turned Executive Leadership Coach. After a thrilling ride up the corporate ladder, I’m focusing on what I love - working with people to realize their professional and personal goals. Through my videos here on this channel, books, podcast guest spots, and newsletter, I share new ideas and practical and tactical tools to help you be more productive and build the career and life you want.

Time Stamps:

00:52 The Push for Efficiency
01:27 Implementing Change Gradually