Chief of Staff vs. COO: What’s the Difference?
The Connection: September 2024 Issue #08
When discussing senior roles in a company, two positions often arise: Chief of Staff (CoS) and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The Chief of Staff role description is still a relatively new concept in many companies. It leads to confusion compared to the duties of the more established chief operating officer. Although there are some similarities, these two positions have distinct roles. They differ mainly in leadership hierarchy and primary responsibilities.
Let’s break down how these roles differ and when you might consider hiring one over the other.
What Does a Chief of Staff Do?
The Chief of Staff job description involves:
- Managing the executive’s schedule.
- Coordinating cross-departmental initiatives.
- Ensure the team executes the organization’s priorities.
The Chief of Staff supports the CoS in managing internal operations. It often serves as a gatekeeper, managing information flow within the company. It ensures the CEO focuses on high-priority tasks.COS Employees typically refer to individuals working directly for a Chief of Staff (COS).
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Advisor: Works closely with the CEO to develop strategies and prioritize initiatives.
- Project Management: Oversees critical projects and ensures they align with the CEO’s vision.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlines processes to ensure the organization runs smoothly.
Chief Of Staff Alternative Titles:
Here is another name for the chief of staff:
- Executive Assistant (though this is often a more junior role)
- Right-Hand Person
- Strategic Advisor
- Operations Manager (especially in smaller organizations)
- Gatekeeper (due to their role in managing the CEO’s schedule and priorities)
What Does Coo of a Company Stand For?
The chief operating officer (COO) oversees the company’s day-to-day operations. Their role includes managing daily tasks and implementing the CEO’s strategies. The COO is responsible for all operational aspects, including production, marketing, sales, and human resources.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Oversight: Manages the company’s daily operations and ensures they align with the business goals.
- Strategy Implementation: Takes the CEO’s vision and strategy and makes it a reality.
- Performance Management: Monitors business performance metrics and takes corrective actions when necessary.
- Process Optimization: Continuously improves processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Key Differences Between a Chief of Staff and a COO
Here are some detailed differences between the chief of staff and the Coo:
- Chief of Staff: Handles personal tasks like scheduling and planning.
- Chief Operating Officer: Manages large-scale projects that involve multiple departments, such as optimizing production processes.
- Scope of Work:
The Chief of Staff’s duties involve supporting the CEO. Also, managing the executive’s time, priorities, and communication. A COO sticks and focuses on overseeing the company’s overall operations. It ensures that day-to-day activities align with long-term strategic goals.
- Strategic vs. Operational:
The chief of staff position acts as a project manager, ensuring that high-level initiatives progress as planned. The COO operates more on the tactical level. He executes the company’s strategy by managing various departments and operational processes.
- Internal vs. External Focus:
The chief of staff primarily focuses on internal tasks, such as facilitating communication within the company. It is also responsible for the CEO’s directives to be understood and followed. The role of the COO is internal and external. It includes managing relationships with suppliers, clients, and partners.
- Leadership Role:
Operation chiefs typically do not have direct reports from different departments. But work across the organization to ensure alignment with the CEO’s goals. The COO title usually oversees multiple departments, directly managing teams and ensuring they work effectively.
- CoS Vs. Coo Salary
In 2024, the compensation for these roles is:
- Full-time Chief of Staff: Earns around $120,000 annually.
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): Salaries start at $200,000 and can be much higher.
For more cost-effective options:
- Fractional Chief of Staff:
- Charges between $150 and $190 per hour.
- Typically works at least 20 hours a month.
- Fractional COO:
- Charges between $200 and $350 per hour.
- Also usually works a minimum of 20 hours a month.
Who Reports to Whom?
The critical question is: who reports to whom? In most organizations, the chief operating officer (COO) reports directly to the CEO.
Similarly, the chief of staff (COS) reports to the CEO but operates differently. It often works closely with the CEO and other executives.
The COO typically oversees finance, sales, marketing, and production, while the COS focuses on the CEO’s immediate priorities and special projects.
Which Role is Right for Your Organization?
Choosing between a chief operating officer (COO) and a chief of staff (COS) depends on your organization’s specific needs. A COO may be the best fit if you require someone to oversee operations and ensure daily activities align with the broader strategy.
In contrast, a COS could provide invaluable support if the CEO needs a trusted advisor to manage projects. The COS helps the CEO focus on strategic goals, and the COO implements those goals across the organization.
The right choice depends on your needs. A COS may be ideal if you’re strong in operations but need help managing a team. However, a COO with relevant expertise is likely a better fit if you need someone to execute your vision due to a lack of industry experience.
Ask yourself:
- Identify your most essential needs.
- Consider which growth opportunities you need.
- Determine what strategic projects you need to work on.
Conclusion
The difference between chief of staff and chief operating officer is essential to a company’s success. If you’re looking for the answer to the difference between a CEO and a coo, the CEO is the big boss who sets the direction. On the other hand, the co-chief operating officer is the boss who makes sure things get done. So, each role serves a different function within the organization.
