How to know if you’re already a Chief of Staff…25 Signs You’re Already Operating Like a Chief of Staff (Even if You Don’t yet Have the Title)
Let’s be real: some of you are already functioning like a Chief of Staff, you’re just missing the title (and the pay and the respect). If you’ve ever thought, “This work feels BEYOND my original job description…” you’re probably right. Here are 25 validating signs you’re already operating like a Chief of Staff, even if your email signature doesn’t say so.
1. You often write the follow-up email before anyone asks.
You’re tracking action items and circling back while others are still digesting the meeting.
2. You make your exec look more prepared than they actually are.
Because you read the room, do the pre-work, and tee them up to win.
3. People bring you problems instead of going directly to leadership.
They trust your judgment and know you’ll get things handled.
4. You translate executive ideas into actual plans.
You're the bridge between vision and execution.
5. You’re often told, "You’re the only one who knows what’s really going on."
Because you have visibility across teams and projects.
6. You act as a sounding board for senior leaders.
They trust you to help them think strategically and not just reactively execute on tasks.
7. You manage meetings that you don’t technically lead.
But you steer the agenda, make sure follow-ups happen, and hold people accountable.
8. You know how to say “no” without ruffling feathers.
Because you’ve learned the art of influence.
9. You see bottlenecks before they become emergencies.
Proactive is your middle name.
10. You connect the dots between departments.
You’re not just in ops, you’re in alignment. 😉
11. You notice when a process is broken AND you fix it.
You don’t wait for permission to improve systems.
12. You know your exec’s priorities better than they do.
Because you’re always 3 steps ahead…
13. You can write things “in their voice.”
Whether it’s board updates or emails, you ghostwrite with finesse.
14. You run point on high-stakes projects.
From launches to leadership transitions, you’re who people trust.
15. You navigate politics and personalities with grace.
You keep your cool when tensions rise.
16. You hold the leadership team accountable.
Even if you don’t outrank them, you keep them on track.
17. You track OKRs (or wish you could).
Because you know goals don’t move without measurement.
18. You stay late to clean up messy strategy decks.
You’re not just re-formatting slides, you’re making the flow stronger.
19. You love frameworks.
From Eisenhower Matrix to RACI charts, you’ve got a tool for every challenge.
20. You ask hard questions.
And you do it to move the mission forward, not play devil’s advocate.
21. You think like a founder.
You care about the success of the entire business, not just your lane.
22. You get energy from building behind the scenes.
Recognition is nice, but results are better.
23. You’re always learning.
Because you know true leadership is a skillset and a mindset, not just a title.
24. You can brief your exec in 60 seconds or less.
You distill chaos into clarity and cut through noise with ease.
25. You’ve started mentoring others without even realizing it.
Because your instincts for leadership and support are already well-developed, you’re able to give good advice to others.
➡️ Ready to Make It Official? 👀
If you saw yourself in 5 or more of these signs, you're more than ready. You're overdue.
✅ Start with the free Chief of Staff Roadmap
✅ Or get certified with the Elevation Chief of Staff Training Course
You’re already doing the work…
Now let’s get you the recognition— and the role— you deserve.
P.S. Here’s an in-depth article from the Harvard Business Review to check out if you’re wondering if you’d make a great Chief of Staff: HBR: What Makes a Great Chief of Staff
