Last week, I placed a Director of Residences, and it reminded me how delicate these leadership hires can be. My placement is already providing a very smooth transition to her employer of 5 years and will be trained by the current DoR, who has been in the role for 7 and will set her up for success.
Even when things go smoothly, layers of timing, communication, and trust require careful handling. On paper, the process looks simple. In real life, it’s nuanced.
Chiefs of Staff and Directors of Residences step directly into a principal’s world and influence nearly every aspect of daily life. Getting it right is essential. And mitigating risk from the start is key.
1. The Role Isn’t Defined Clearly Enough
Titles and responsibilities vary widely depending on properties, teams, and lifestyle. Misalignment usually stems from unclear expectations.
Avoid it by: defining scope, clarifying decision-making lanes, and setting success measures for the first 90 days.
If you want a deeper dive into role definitions, this post may help:
Understanding the Key Roles in Private Household and Estate Management
2. Newly Created Roles Bring Ambiguity
Many principals hire these roles for the first time. Without a framework, even strong hires can flounder.
Avoid it by: identifying what pain points you want solved and which decisions this person will fully own. A trusted search partner can help translate needs into a clear, actionable role.
3. Trust and Discretion Are Everything
These hires often hold access to sensitive information… travel, security, finances. A mis-hire can create reputational or privacy exposure.
Avoid it by: verifying discretion through past behavior, running tailored background checks, and obtaining detailed references from former employers.
4. Transitions Are Rushed
Leadership changes affect entire ecosystems… staff, vendors, and routines.
Avoid it by: planning realistic timelines, coordinating handovers, and giving the new hire time to learn each property thoughtfully.
The Bottom Line
When approached thoughtfully, these hires elevate every property, workflow, and relationship. When rushed or unclear, they can destabilize operations. Clarity, preparation, and partnership turn risk into reward.
If you’d like more detail on structuring searches for long-term success, explore our guide:
How to Optimize Your Search Process and Hire Top Talent for the Long Term
As We Head Into the Holidays and a Bright New Year…
If you’re refining your household team or looking to bring more ease across your properties, we’d be happy to help. Reach out anytime for guidance or support.
Cheers!
Nancy + team