Better Business, Better Life – Issue 150

1. The Integrator is the only way you’ll achieve your goals. They run the business, make strategic decisions, & drive execution.
2. The EA ensures that you, the Visionary, have the time & mental space to focus on what you do best.

His key message? If you don’t have an EA, you don’t have the time to be the best you. If you don’t have a 2nd in command, you don’t have the person to actually make things happen.

Once you have both, use the freed-up time wisely, whether that’s doubling down on your Visionary role or joining another mastermind like EO to keep growing. Cameron also said that every entrepreneur should be in two mastermind or peer groups, not just one! Surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth & success.

If You’re Not Ready to Invest in a True Integrator, Don’t Expect True EOS Results

A big mistake I see is Visionaries thinking they can “hack” EOS by having their EA take on Integrator tasks without actually giving them the power to lead. This is a recipe for frustration & failure.

If you want real traction:

1. Hire a true Integrator or
2. Empower your EA fully, which means giving them decision-making authority, financial accountability, & leadership control.

You can’t expect EOS to work if you’re unwilling to commit to the right structure. If you’re serious about implementing EOS properly, invest in the right people.

If you need help finding a true Integrator, check out Integrated Executives. They specialise in providing fractional & full-time Integrators who truly run the business, not just take notes.

Final Thought: Are You Serious About EOS?

If you’re just looking for someone to manage meetings, take minutes, & remind you of your next call, that’s an EA.

If you’re looking for someone to turn your vision into reality, run the business, & drive execution, that’s an Integrator.

Be honest with yourself. Do you want to make EOS work, or are you just trying to get by? If it’s the former, invest in the right structure. Otherwise, don’t expect EOS to deliver the results you’re hoping for.

This LinkedIn Post by Kelly Knight, our Integrator, is just superb & the graphics make it even more simple.

Many visionaries simply don’t know what to look for in an integrator – or assume it’s just a high-level admin or ops person.

💡 The truth: a great integrator is a partner, not an assistant.

They think differently, operate differently & they challenge.

They are the yin to your visionary yang.

And, most importantly, they are the key to your freedom, autonomy & getting everything you want from your business.

But only possible with the right-fit Integrator for both you & your business.

So here I offer food for thought as you consider your readiness to search for “the one” or are assessing your current V/I relationship 👇

🔸 How clear & documented are our core processes for an Integrator to step in?

• Integrators drive consistency & scalability & they cannot do that without strong processes.
• Ideally, you want them to optimise your core processes, not reinvent them.
• Having at least a baseline will provide for faster onboarding & ability for your Integrator to integrate the team well.

🔸 What level of autonomy do I want to give my Integrator?

• Define what the V/I relationship ideally looks like & roles within each seat
• Clarity is key; everyone lives in their Personal Core Focus
• Trust is built & results yield greater autonomy over time
• Get & stay aligned in Same Page Meetings

🔸 Am I ready to have tough conversations & accept pushback?

• A great integrator is not a “yes person”. They challenge you because they are accountable to what the team can deliver upon, within a set timeframe & with the Who’s.
• Be fully engaged to IDS (Identify, Discuss & Solve) issues together (be sure to get to the root issue & not just solve symptoms!)
• Always direct. Always with respect. Always for the greater good of those you serve & the business.

🔸 What does a successful 90-day transition for the Integrator look like?

• Check out the carousel for a suggested onboarding timeline
• Be sure to include key team members & stakeholders
• Be patient. The time invested upfront will pay itself forward in an integrator who understands you, your vision & unique business needs!
• The process of getting & staying aligned is never “done”. It’s an ongoing process throughout your entire relationship – much like marriage!