.png)
Primary Role:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages day-to-day operations of the company
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Similar to Startup Chief of Staff, but in a smaller business context
Senior Advisor: Provides high-level advice and expertise in specific areas
Reporting Relationship:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Typically reports to CEO or President
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Reports to the business owner or CEO
Senior Advisor: Reports to senior leadership, often the CEO or board members
Scope of Responsibilities:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees all operational activities (finance, HR, etc.)
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Broad, tailored to the needs of a small business
Senior Advisor: Focused on providing expertise and guidance on specific strategic matters
Decision-Making Authority:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Significant authority over operations
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Significant, especially in strategic and operational decisions
Senior Advisor: Influential in shaping decisions based on expertise and insights
Strategic Planning:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Involved in the strategic planning process and responsible for implementing the strategy at an operational level
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in shaping and executing business strategy
Senior Advisor: Advises on long-term strategy and planning
Team Management:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages multiple teams or departments across the organization
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Manages or coordinates with small business teams
Senior Advisor: Works independently or with a small advisory team
Meeting Involvement:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Often leads meetings related to operations and strategy implementation
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in business meetings, contributing to decisions
Senior Advisor: Attends strategic meetings to provide advice and insights
Project Management:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees large-scale projects that affect multiple areas of the company
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Leads key business projects and initiatives
Senior Advisor: May lead or advise on specific strategic projects
Communication:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for communicating decisions and strategies to the teams they manage and the broader organization
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Acts as a key communicator for the small business
Senior Advisor: Provides expert communication on specialized topics
Professional Development:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Focuses on the professional development of the teams they manage
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Develops skills in managing a small business environment
Senior Advisor: Deepens expertise in specific fields and strategic advising