Ross Logan

Sari Azout, the founder of knowledge management tool Sublime, argues: perhaps it's time to prioritize our creative potential over traditional productivity metrics.

What pre-existing category of goods and services are you going to root your business in, and then push on from there?

1. Because this is the way customers will understand what you do

2. Because this determines the norms you are going to push against (i.e. it dictates the rest of your strategic thinking)

3. Because this determines where your customers are going to come from

• Does your category reflect value (not just product)? Category is determined by the value the customer gets, not the physical nature of the product.
  

• Is it something people are shopping for? Shoppability: is there an existing purchase cycle you can hijack?
  

• Do you think you will have leverage there? Can you do it better/faster/cheaper than the rest of that category?

  
  

Introverts can and do excel in the Chief of Staff role, often in ways that surprise people. While everyone talks about relationship building and stakeholder management, an introvert’s quiet strengths - like active listening, thinking deeply, and observing carefully - might be exactly what an organization needs.

You Notice Things Others Miss

Introverts are natural observers. This means you:

• Pick up on your Principal’s unspoken preferences and priorities

• Spot potential problems before they escalate

• Read the room in leadership meetings through observation

• Get real, honest feedback because people trust your discretion

You Think Before You Speak

While others rush to respond, you process deeply. This helps you:

• Give leadership advice that’s thought through

• See how different projects connect to the bigger picture

• Build detailed project plans that anticipate problems

• Turn complicated data into clear recommendations

You Build Real Relationships

You might not work the room at parties, but you shine at building genuine connections. This means you:

• Turn networking into simple coffee chats

• Build trust through focused, one-on-one meetings with leaders

• Really get to know your Principal through quality conversations

• Create lasting relationships instead of surface-level small talk

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Turning Introvert Challenges into Opportunities

Too Many Meetings Draining Your Energy?

The constant stream of meetings and interactions can be exhausting for introverts. Try these fixes:

• Block “recharge time” between meetings – even 15 minutes helps

• Take walks between big meetings to clear your head

• Write out your talking points before important meetings to ensure you don’t miss anything

• Say no to after-hours events when you need to recharge - this can can also be an opportunity to lead by example for other introverts on the team

• Pick your high-energy moments carefully – you can't be “on” all the time

Need to Drive Culture Without Being the Party Planner?

You don’t have to be the social butterfly to shape company culture. Instead:

• Create small group activities instead of big events

• Set up systems that naturally bring people like-minded together (like lunch & learn groups or mentoring pairs)

• Watch and listen to learn what people actually care about

• Find outgoing people who can lead events while you organize behind the scenes

• Share company updates and stories in writing

Want to Build Influence Your Way?

Become a valued leader and trusted confidant by using your introverted strengths to your advantage:

• Share your best ideas in well-thought-out emails or documents

• Become known for doing great work consistently, but don’t forget to advocate for yourself and make it known too

• Really listen to what people need (most people just want to be heard)

• Ask the questions others are afraid to ask

• Create processes that make everyone’s work easier

Keep in mind that the goal isn’t to become an extrovert, but to find sustainable ways to get things done while staying true to your natural tendencies.

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Reframing "Traditional" Chief of Staff Requirements

Many traditional Chief of Staff job descriptions seem written with extroverts in mind. Let’s look at how to reframe these common expectations through an introvert’s lens:

"Must Be a Relationship Builder"

Traditional View: Working the room at events and knowing everyone and their role in the company – at least at a surface level

Introverted Approach:

Focus on quality over quantity–build fewer but deeper relationships

Schedule one-on-one coffee chats instead of attending large networking events

Stay connected through thoughtful emails and messages

Stand out by asking insightful questions rather than making small talk

"Should Be the Eyes and Ears of the Organization"

Traditional View: Always being in the office, catching up on casual conversations, and generally having a good handle on employee morale

Introverted Approach:

Set up regular check-ins with key team members

Create simple ways for people to share feedback (like office hours or suggestion boxes)

Watch for patterns in how teams work together

Build trust by being a good listener and keeping confidences

"Must Drive Culture and Engagement"

Traditional View: Planning big social events and being the cheerleader/emcee for company culture

Introverted Approach:

Create small group activities where people can really connect

Build culture through team rituals and shared practices

Use surveys and data to understand what people actually want

Find and support natural culture champions in the organization

"Expected to Have Executive Presence"

Traditional View: Being the charismatic center of attention–speaking up first, talking the most in meetings, and commanding the room through personality

Introverted Approach:

Let your work speak for itself through consistently good results - but don’t forget to advocate for yourself and present your accomplishments accordingly

Prepare thoroughly for meetings so you can contribute confidently

Share insights in writing when possible

Instead of dominating the room, lead with quiet confidence by asking thought-provoking questions

The bottom line is that you don’t need to change who you are to be an effective Chief of Staff. Different working styles can achieve the same results.

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Time to Leverage Your Introverted Strengths

Here's the truth: quiet leadership can be powerfully effective.

Remember:

Thoughtful leaders get things done – sometimes better than the loudest voice in the room

Your ability to listen, reflect, and then act is exactly what many organizations need

Deep thinking and real relationships create lasting impact

Organizations are starting to value different leadership styles