Who’s Most Influential: EA or CoS?
Who really holds more influence: the Executive Assistant or the Chief of Staff? My answer might surprise you. While it varies by situation, a seasoned, trusted Senior EA often holds more sway than a new CoS—especially when the EA-CEO relationship is already well-established.
As organizations grow more complex, the collaboration between these two roles is increasingly critical to forming a fully aligned and impactful executive back office. Let’s break down what this balance of influence means for EAs, CoSs, and the leaders they support.
Advice for EAs: You’re Invaluable
When your leader adds a new CoS to your team, don’t view it as a challenge to your influence. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to build a powerful partnership. Here’s how to make it work:
Collaborate to accomplish great things as a team.
Stay your CEO’s trusted advisor while naturally bringing the CoS into the fold as trust builds.
Guide the CoS on the leader’s preferences and workflows, reinforcing your own expertise in the process.
Advice for CoS: Build Trust
As a new CoS, your relationship with the EA can make or break your success. Start building trust from day one. Instead of jumping straight into problem-solving mode, go on a listening tour to deeply learn and leverage the trust and experience the EA has built. Immediately coming in and focusing on change does not build trust, and without a complete picture of what the back office looks like, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Recognize the EA as a key resource and potential partner.
Focus on earning the EA’s respect—the CEO will rely on their opinion of you.
Take the time to learn how the EA manages the leader’s priorities, workflows, and decision-making.
Avoid expecting to replace the EA as the leader’s confidant; instead, work toward complementing their role.
Advice for Everyone Else: Don’t Underestimate the EA’s Influence
Instead, remember to value the power of the EA and the contributions they bring to a company. I’m frequently contacted by people building products, wanting to understand how the C-Suite works, who makes decisions, and who has the buying power. Most people assume that after the CEO, it's the Chief of Staff. My response is usually, "Yes... but... " When there’s a tenured, badass EA who has the CEO's ear and trust, it's likely the EA in many, many scenarios.
Conclusion
So, who holds the greater influence? Often, it’s the EA—and new Chiefs of Staff work hard to earn it. When these two roles work together, they form an unstoppable partnership that drives impactful results and amplifies leadership success.
Whether you’re an EA looking to enhance your influence or a CoS aiming to refine your leadership skills, Nova’s resources can help you grow. Curious about stepping into a Chief of Staff role? Download the Chief of Staff Certification Syllabus to learn how to level up your career. For more leadership insights, follow Nova Founder Maggie Olson on LinkedIn.