This week, I wanted to talk about the Visionary Trap.
I have to share this story because, as a Visionary myself, I have found myself guilty of this…. even when I had a leadership team, I sometimes couldn’t help myself.
Currently, in our new business, I am working on bringing on an Integrator to create the dynamic required to keep the business growing because I can’t & shouldn’t do it all…
I have learned the hard way & I now help others to see it, as well as walking the talk.
Real-life story
I once worked with a founder who had 100 ideas a week.
Smart, passionate, driven – the classic Visionary.
They could inspire the team one minute… & completely derail them the next.
In one session, his Integrator turned to him & said, “Can we please finish the last three things you started before you launch a fourth?”
Everyone laughed – because everyone felt it.
This is the Visionary Trap.
Visionaries are essential – but dangerous when unchecked 💡
If you’re a founder, you’re probably the Visionary in your business.
Your strength is dreaming big, solving impossible problems & spotting opportunities where others see noise.
But here’s the cost:
The way out? A clear Visionary/Integrator dynamic:
When this relationship is healthy, the business flies.
When it’s not – the business stalls.
A Client Story Worth Sharing
A design-led business in NZ brought me in because things were falling through the cracks.
The Visionary was loved by clients, brilliant with product, but hated meetings.
The Integrator was caught in the middle – trying to translate vision into action without the right tools or authority.
We got them clear on roles, built a 3-year picture, & gave the Integrator the space to lead the day-to-day. The Visionary focused on clients, innovation & culture.
Six months later? Record growth.
And both of them finally had time to breathe.
Devil’s Advocate View
“But I built this business. No one else can drive it like I do.”
Maybe – but that doesn’t scale.
The more you try to own everything, the more you become the bottleneck. EOS helps you let go – without losing control.
Want to get out of your own way – & let the business thrive?
Let’s define your Visionary/Integrator roles & build the right structure. Email me at debra@businessaction.com.au
This section gives you quick access to 3 links - to articles, blogs, podcasts & stuff that will help you to create a better business & lead a better life.
Strengthen your Visionary-Integrator duo with these 10 truths.
Embrace the Visionary role to transform your leadership.
Boost your mood and health by planning your meal prep properly.
We are here to help you live a better life by creating a better business. We are real-life business owners with years of experience & a strong desire to make a huge difference to the lives of entrepreneurs.
If anything here resonates with you or you would like our help, then please get in contact. Just reply to this newsletter & let us know who you would like to speak to…. Or visit our webpage & contact any of our team from their own pages.
If you know someone who would benefit from reading this, then please forward it onto them. 💖
If you’d like to learn more about any of these tools or would like to find out how I can help you achieve a better life through creating a better business, then book a free Discovery Call with me.
We’ll talk about what you want to get from your business & your life & come up with a plan to do that!
Debra Chantry-Taylor
Certified EOS Implementer | Accredited Family Business Advisor | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Speaker & Workshop Facilitator
