Lauren Tilstra, Global Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at World Bank Group, joined World 50 Chiefs of Staff for a conversation on strategic influence. Lauren shared insights on navigating organizational dynamics, gaining buy-in from stakeholder groups, and driving global impact informed by her tenure as Chief of Staff to Verizon's Chairman and CEO.
Defining the Role:
- Establish a "Boss Contract": Create a written agreement with your principal that defines specific deliverables, time splits, and clear boundaries to prevent the role from turning into an administrative catch-all.
- Start With the End in Mind: Map out the Chief of Staff agenda directly against the principal's multi-year vision and long-term legacy goals.
- Set Clear Boundaries With EAs: Establish explicit lane ownership between the Chief of Staff and Executive Assistants to eliminate friction and ensure mutual respect for each role's value.
"If you don't put a very clear line in the sand about what a chief of staff does and doesn't do, then you will end up doing a whole host of things that you never intended to, and it will get in the way of the outcome you're trying to drive together"
Navigating Organizational Dynamics:
- "All Boats Rise" or "Ironclad Gate" Approach: Both operating styles are effective depending on organizational needs.
- Harness the Power of Quiet Influence: Avoid voicing personal opinions in broad Executive Leadership Team meetings to maintain total neutrality, saving direct counsel for 1-on-1 conversations with your principal.