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Primary Role:
Executive Assistant: Administrative and organizational support for executives
Project Manager: Leads and manages specific projects
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Similar to Startup Chief of Staff, but in a smaller business context
Reporting Relationship:
Executive Assistant: Reports directly to the executive they support
Project Manager: Reports to a project sponsor or senior manager
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Reports to the business owner or CEO
Scope of Responsibilities:
Executive Assistant: Focused on day-to-day tasks and administrative duties
Project Manager: Oversees project lifecycle from initiation to closure
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Broad, tailored to the needs of a small business
Decision-Making Authority:
Executive Assistant: Limited to administrative decisions
Project Manager: Decision-making within the scope of the project
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Significant, especially in strategic and operational decisions
Strategic Planning:
Executive Assistant: Limited involvement, support capacity
Project Manager: Involved in planning project strategy and objectives
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in shaping and executing business strategy
Team Management:
Executive Assistant: Manages administrative staff
Project Manager: Manages project teams
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Manages or coordinates with small business teams
Meeting Involvement:
Executive Assistant: Scheduling, preparing materials, taking minutes
Project Manager: Leads project meetings, coordinates team communication
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in business meetings, contributing to decisions
Project Management:
Executive Assistant: Manages small projects within their role
Project Manager: Responsible for complete project management
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Leads key business projects and initiatives
Communication:
Executive Assistant: Facilitates internal communication
Project Manager: Communicates project updates and liaises with stakeholders
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Acts as a key communicator for the small business
Professional Development:
Executive Assistant: Focused on improving administrative and organizational skills
Project Manager: Focuses on project management skills and methodologies
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Develops skills in managing a small business environment
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