On this episode of the podcast we explore interview mastery. First, we review the research on the interview process to better understand what’s most important to interviewers. Second, we break down the three key performance factors (content, delivery of content , non verbal behavior) that make up interview performance. Then we review the research on practice and feedback so that the listener understands what’s most effective as far as coaching and training. Head over to growth.parmenio.co for more information on this podcast. 

As Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry states, passion really matters. Having a story that captures your passion, purpose, values and competencies is critical to getting the job you want. On this episode of the podcast we first explore why stories are so powerful and elicit such an emotional response. It turns out that human beings are hardwired to interpret incoming information as narrative. Next, we describe a 6 Step method you can use to craft your own story. A story that demonstrates your passion, purpose, values and competencies. One that can help you get the job you so passionately want. 

On this episode of the podcast we describe and walk you through the organization socialization process. First we articulate just what the organization socialization process is and why it’s so important to your success in a new organization. Then we walk you through a proactive socialization framework that you can use to build relationships, networks and resources in your new role. Using this framework you can accelerate the socialization process and that will allow you to be much more effective as Chief of Staff.

This episode is all  about Elevating you and your career. On this episode we describe the Career Adaptability and Competency frameworks. We then discuss and describe two methods you can use to Elevate yourself to get that Chief of Staff job. First, we describe Feedback Seeking Behavior and how it can be used to elevate your skills and your profile. We then describe how a coaching and measurement plan can be used to improve your skills and abilities and be used to help you self present yourself as a Chief of Staff candidate. 

On this episode of the podcast we interview Mr Ian Crook. Ian is the owner / CEO / MD of a transport company based in the UK and also a Parmenio client. On the podcast, Ian first shares some background on the challenges his business and leadership has faced this past year. Ian then shares how he cane to learn of Parmenio and how we came to work together. And finally, Ian shares his experience with Parmenio from a coaching standpoint and how it’s helped him, his business and his personal life. 

Organizational conflict is inevitable. For the Chief of Staff, doubly so due to the unique role and position. On this episode of the podcast we first describe the structural factors that lead to conflict. Second, we provide some statistics on conflict in the workplace. And finally, we offer a Four Step model for conflict resolution that is based on the Fisher and Ury model of “getting to yes.” 

Change events such as an organizational change, job loss and new job can impact a persons “perceived control,” and thus result in the person feeling a “loss of control.” A “loss of control” is usually accompanied by chronic stress that can lead to immune suppression and other adverse health effects. In this podcast we describe how one can use Reflective Journaling to gain greater perceived control and thus reduce their stress response. Next we identify benefits of reflective journaling such as increased efficacy, knowledge creation and goal attainment. Then we outline three scenarios and how a Chief of Staff can customize a reflective journal to fit their situation. 

Everyone at some point in their life experiences rejection / failure. What’s important is that we have the right mindset to deal with rejection, and we use that failure to catapult us forward in a positive manner. On this episode of the podcast we first describe the physiological effects on the body due to rejection. We then outline a simple three step process (reframe , resist, elevate) that we can use anytime we have a setback. 

The Two Become One - that is the goal of the Chief of Staff, to develop a deeply intimate, trusting relationship with your partner. On this episode of the podcast we describe the steps and method to forge deeply intimate relationships that allow you to be fully: Present - Attentive - Mindful - with your partner. Or, with anyone for that matter. Being fully present and attentive via the body is a superpower. And on this episode of the podcast we describe why and the steps to allow you to do this. Not an easy task mind you. 

 “I need you to lead the development of a new product. So tell me, how would you go about doing that?” On this episode of the podcast we describe a simple project plan that you can use to guide the development of a new product. First, we key factors that contribute to new product development (NPD) success. We then outline the NPD process that has been articulated and used by Booz for many years. And finally we walk you through the steps to lead a new product development project. 

It is highly likely that you will be asked during the interview process the following question, “so tell me, how do you implement a new process?”  And if you’re already a Chief of Staff, it’s likely you will be asked to implement a new process. On this episode of the podcast we first define “process” and “process orientation.” We then review the Business Process Maturity model and Hammer’s 7 principles of process management. And to wrap it up, we outline the high level steps to implement a new process. 

On this episode of the podcast we dive into “leader positivity.” Leader positivity is a mindset and a way of behaving and approaching things that is characterized by four attributes. The four attributes that comprise leader positivity are efficacy, optimism, hope and resiliency. We first define leader positivity, then we break down each attribute. For each attribute we describe specific methods that you can use to develop them. 

On this episode of the podcast we describe value based decision making. Value based decision making is both powerful and elegant. The power lies from the fact that they are derived from the values of the organization. First, we give and overview of what value based decision making is. Next, we discuss research that Bain Consulting has done on decision making. We then give and overview of the value based models that Bezos, Benioff and Reed Hastings use. And finally, we review an approach that you can use to develop a value based decision making model. This method can be used to practice and sharpen your skills. 

It’s back to OKR’s! On this episode of the podcast we review John Doerr’s five OKR superpowers. John Doerr is a legendary VC and a major advocate of OKR’s, and Doerr personally introduced OKR’s to Google. We review Doerr’s five OKR superpowers and add additionally clarity and analysis. The five superpowers are focus, alignment, commitment, tracking and stretch goals. We assess the five superpowers and analyze the veracity of each claim. 

On this episode of the podcast we develop a framework and a plan for the First 100 Days on the job as a Chief of Staff. The framework we present is adaptable and iterative in nature, yet has a strong foundational core. The goal of any such “100 Day Plan” is to build credibility, confidence, motivation and momentum. We want to approach the First 100 Days with confidence and action. We first touch on the accomplishments of FDR’s first 100 days in office. We then outline a balanced plan that consists of immersion / learning and action / results. Finally, we integrate behaviors into the plan that build trust, psychological safety and inspiration / motivation in the organization. Our goal is to hit the ground running and make an impact in the first 100 days. 

On this episode of the podcast we describe a Primary Research Method To accelerate your mastery of the CEO Agenda. This method can be used by both the current Chief of Staff and someone interviewing for the role. First, we describe a Research Method whereby you interview a select group of individuals (interview subjects) in the organization. This is a qualitative research project, using an interview protocol and open ended questions.  The research objective is to discern alignment, consistency and obstacles / constraints with the CEO Agenda. We then describe the 7 steps that allow you to complete this project; from the proposal stage to delivering the written and oral reports. This project will increase your knowledge of the organization, help you to build relationships and allow you to gain greater mastery in your role. 

On this episode of the podcast we explore “shadowing,” and how the Chief of Staff uses this training method to accelerate their knowledge and understanding of the CEO. First, we define observational shadowing, and explore some of the nuances. Next, we we describe how you prepare for the shadowing process. We detail the seven steps you should complete before you start the actual shadowing process. Then, we put it all together and describe how a day of shadowing is executed. 

The Chief of Staff’s core role is to drive and implement the Agenda of the CEO. Part of the CEO agenda includes articulating a set of values that the CEO wants the organization to “live by.” On this episode of the podcast we first define what values are. We then use Schein’s model to better understand the complex nature of values in an organization. And finally, we describe specific methods that the Chief of Staff can use to reinforce their partner’s values, and how the Chief Of Staff uses these methods to create higher levels of Value Alignment. 

This episode of the podcast is for Advanced Practitioners that have a love for rhetoric and debate. On this episode we will explore how we use rhetoric to both to both promote the Chief Of Staff role, and to defend it against attacks. We use the example from a Quora thread in which a CEO uses strawman arguments to discredit the role of the Chief of Staff in startups. We then describe different methods to position against these strawman attacks. 

On this episode of the podcast we explore the agenda of the CEO. We first define what the CEO agenda is. For this, we use Marc Benioff’s V2MOM (vision, values, methods, obstacles and measures) as an example of what the CEO agenda embodies. We then describe how the Chief of Staff uses their knowledge of the CEO agenda; to become a more effective and masterful, Chief of Staff.