10 things I don’t do anymore…

After being in the Chief of Staff profession for over 15 years (‼️), here are 10 things I 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 do anymore… 1. I don’t treat relationships as nice-to -haves Internal alliances, board trust, external networks, etc are all strategic assets. Neglect them, and you end up reacting instead of leading. 2. I don’t say yes to “ASAP” 🚨 Urgency ≠ importance. Everything gets a due date, a rationale, and trade-offs spelled out. 3. I don’t let calendars run strategy The week follows the priorities, not the invites. If it’s not tied to outcomes, it doesn’t own my time. 4. I don’t join meetings without a purpose. I like to say “no agenda, no attend-a.” Clear outcomes, decision owners, and next steps. Otherwise: send me an email 😁 5. I don’t run on ✨ vibes ✨ Data, baselines, and metrics drive the work. Gut checks are valuable, but not enough. 6. I don’t escalate surprises to my exec Every problem is accompanied by data, trade-offs, and includes my recommended path forward. 7. I don’t confuse speed with progress We sequence the work. Momentum is good, but impact is better. 8. I don’t say yes to “quick favors.” 🙃 If it doesn’t advance the CEO’s priorities or the org’s OKRs, it’s a no. My job is to provide leverage, not last-minute rescue. 9. I don’t write novels. One page. Clear headline, three bullets, options, recommendation. Brief. Literally. Leaders move on clarity. 10. I don’t martyr my calendar. Focus blocks, prep time, and recovery periods are as critical as any meeting. If you’re on the path to Chief of Staff, start here: Protect your time. Build relationships like assets. Anchor your work in strategy, not in noise. 👉 What’s one thing you’ve stopped doing that made you better at your job? ———————————— ♻️ Repost this to help others 🔔 Follow me, Melanie Jones The Chief of Staff Coach™ and founder of Elevation Chief of Staff Training for more daily info, insights, and inspiration about the Chief of Staff profession. | 73 comments on LinkedIn