You might think you’re being efficient when you react to your Chief of Staff’s update with a quick thumbs-up or a one-word “Good.” But let’s be honest: that’s not feedback.
And in a role as nuanced and ambiguous as Chief of Staff, that kind of non-feedback can leave even the most talented person guessing what you actually want, how you want it done, or whether they’re even on the right track.
That’s why we built Compass, Prime’s Chief of Staff Competency 360—a development tool designed specifically for this complex, high-leverage role. Based on 12 role-specific competencies and backed by real-world research, it’s not a generic performance review. It’s a tool for alignment, growth, and long-term impact for both you and your Chief of Staff.
We’ll get to the tool in a moment. But first, let’s talk about why this matters.
The Unique Challenge of the Chief of Staff Role
Unlike other roles on your team, the Chief of Staff rarely comes with a clear playbook. It’s inherently fluid and context-specific. One day they’re quarterbacking strategic initiatives. The next they’re a sounding board on personnel issues. The next they’re designing systems so you can finally delegate something and breathe.
They’re working on your behalf, often without direct authority, to move your priorities forward. But without real feedback loops, they can’t adjust, align, or grow in ways that truly support you.
Why Feedback Matters So Much Here
A Chief of Staff is a potential force-multiplier for your leadership. But only if they know what “good” actually looks like to you.
Without real feedback:
- They risk working hard on the wrong priorities.
- They can become overly cautious, afraid to act without perfect clarity.
- They burn out trying to read your mind.
- They fail to develop into the trusted advisor you want at your side.
Good feedback isn’t just about critique—it’s a tool for alignment. When your Chief of Staff knows what you value, how you think, and what success looks like in your eyes, they can operate at a much higher level of autonomy and impact.
What You Gain When You Invest in Their Development
Giving your Chief of Staff meaningful feedback is a strategic investment that pays off:
More Leverage: They filter noise, solve problems, and make you more scalable.
Better Decision Support: They anticipate your questions and challenge your assumptions.
Cultural Consistency: They extend your leadership style and values.
Reduced Bottlenecks: They make confident decisions without constant check-ins.
Sustainable Partnership: They stay longer and grow with you.
How Prime Helps: Compass – The Chief of Staff Competency 360
If you’re serious about unlocking the full potential of your Chief of Staff, the Compass 360 offers a clear, structured way to do it.
It includes:
- A self-assessment by the Chief of Staff
- Ratings from you and key stakeholders
- A detailed look at alignment gaps across 12 core competencies
- A facilitated debrief and development roadmap tailored to your working relationship and business context
Whether you’ve been working with your Chief of Staff for three months or three years, Compass provides the clarity and shared language to take your partnership, and their impact, to the next level.
Let’s Talk
If you want your Chief of Staff to be more than a utility player and to become a true strategic partner, feedback and development aren’t optional.
They’re the lever.
