Chiefs of Staff are often asked to provide a different perspective or to push back and challenge assumptions to ensure that all the questions are answered, and the best ideas come to light. When doing so, tension can arise, and Chiefs who navigate and tolerate that tension can get the most out of the teams they work with.
McChrystal Group’s former Academy Chief of Staff Sarah Vollaro shares how she leverages tension to drive productivity and efficiency. Sarah discusses the various roles a Chief of Staff can play when effectively fostering tension: translator, teacher, and counterweight.