.png)
Primary Role:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages day-to-day operations of the company
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:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Typically reports to CEO or President
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:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees all operational activities (finance, HR, etc.)
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:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Significant authority over operations
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:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Involved in the strategic planning process and responsible for implementing the strategy at an operational level
Project Manager: Involved in planning project strategy and objectives
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in shaping and executing business strategy
Team Management:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Manages multiple teams or departments across the organization
Project Manager: Manages project teams
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Manages or coordinates with small business teams
Meeting Involvement:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Often leads meetings related to operations and strategy implementation
Project Manager: Leads project meetings, coordinates team communication
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Active in business meetings, contributing to decisions
Project Management:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Oversees large-scale projects that affect multiple areas of the company
Project Manager: Responsible for complete project management
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Leads key business projects and initiatives
Communication:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for communicating decisions and strategies to the teams they manage and the broader organization
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:
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Focuses on the professional development of the teams they manage
Project Manager: Focuses on project management skills and methodologies
Chief of Staff in Small Business: Develops skills in managing a small business environment