What Are Archetypes in Hiring?

In hiring, archetypes refer to the use of common personality models or frameworks to categorize candidates based on their natural behaviors, motivators and working styles. Archetypes help hiring managers and recruiters assess how a candidate might fit within a team or the company culture. They also provide insight into how a candidate may perform in a specific role.

Quick, which zone are you working in most days?

If you said the Zone of Competence or the Zone of Excellence, you are like most leaders.

What is working in the Zone of Genius like, though?

Let’s start at the beginning. This framework is the brainchild of Gay Hendricks as detailed in his book The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level. Think of it this way: The Zone of Excellence is filled with tasks at which you excel even though you do not enjoy completing them. Matt Schnuck, cofounder of The Inflection and Vannin Chief of Staff partner with whom CEO Keziah Wonstolen recently recorded a webinar, suggests this is where “the world gets value from you focusing on these tasks, but you become drained by doing them.” 

Many organizations struggle to fill key leadership roles without committing to long-term full-time hires, especially during periods of transition, scaling or project surges. Particularly for CEOs facing unexpected leadership gaps, managing transitions or tackling complex projects, hiring an interim Chief of Staff can often be a good solution. This temporary, senior-level role offers much-needed strategic support without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire. 

In our newest blog, explore interesting trends we’re seeing in Chief of Staff applications, explain why former founders are increasingly gravitating towards this role, and share some advice about how newcomers (and career Chiefs of Staff!) can put their best foot forward as they seek new roles.

Chiefs of staff are meant to be drivers of change – but too many end up being relegated to simple order takers. This lack of definition is a common problem, and it’s the reason why implementing a framework like the Vannin Chief of Staff Impact Model can make all the difference.

Annual planning is the process to create a strategic plan for the coming year - in early to mid-Q4, you want to start to plan out your strategic goals, milestones, and tactics for the next year. Here are 7 key steps to ensure success.

In an ideal state, a Chief of Staff is their CxO’s right hand, strategically driving the business forward and shepherding initiatives with a sense of strategy and authority. But maintaining this equilibrium takes conscious effort and consistent communication. 

If your team is in the post-Q1 slump and struggling to re-energize, you’re not alone.

Let's delve into the CEO's main responsibilities and explore how a Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in supporting each one.

If you’re looking to move into a Chief of Staff role, focus on these key attributes that Management Consultants build in their work.

When it comes to hiring a right-hand person, you don't always have to hire full-time right away. Try things out with a fractional Chief of Staff, get the results you want, and then recalibrate and move forward from there!

From the outside looking in, start-ups and nonprofits may seem like they couldn’t have less in common. However, if you look closely, you will begin to see some similarities.

As fractional work becomes more popular, we’ve been sitting down with leaders in the fractional space to talk about the future of work.