5 steps to nailing special projects in the Office of the CEO
Dear Chiefs of Staff: your CEO has a million demands on their time. They don’t have the capacity to execute special projects to explore a new market, revitalize the company brand or execute AI transformation. They would love to have someone explore a strategic partnership, drive cultural change or launch new sustainability initiatives.
If their special project doesn’t have a natural home with someone on your C-suite team, the CEO might delegate special projects to you instead.
Here are 5 tips to executing special projects on behalf of your CEO:
1. Commit 100% or just say no
First off, you must fully agree that this is a project worth pursuing, given the other competing priorities on your plate. Your CEO might be leading you down a rabbit hole and you need to learn how to push back and politely say no to distractions. Assign the project to someone else if need be.
2. Set up a Project Charter
Next, draft a Project Charter to gain clarity on project goals, success criteria, scope, deliverables, team, milestones, project plan, and risks. Run this through an approval process so that all stakeholders commit to the project, including your CEO.
3. Assemble your team
Now that you have CEO sponsorship, marshal your resources across your company to help you execute the project. Conduct a formal kickoff where you cover the project charter, with special attention to everyone’s roles and responsibilities.
4. Execute your project
Enough said, since as a Chief of Staff, you are a master at getting things done. If you run into problems, get your CEO to unblock you. Report your progress along the way.
5. Conclude your project
Congrats! You’ve reached the end of your project. Complete a postmortem and deliver a presentation to your CEO on your project successes, challenges and outcomes, plus a section on what to do next. Remember to get your flowers - you deserve it. Hand off the project to the business with specific jumping off points.
Follow these 5 steps to execute special projects with flying colors, gaining even more trust from your CEO to deliver outsized impact to your company.
Get in touch here for more information on how to effectively manage and execute special projects on behalf of your CEO, ensuring successful outcomes and maximized impact.
