I want to hire an Integrator to run the daily operations so I can focus on scaling, but I am terrified that I will step on their toes and undermine them. How do I objectively assess my own readiness to let go of the day-to-day operations before I waste money on a high-level executive search?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Hiring an Integrator when you are not ready to let go is a recipe for operational chaos and wasted capital. If you step on their toes, you will drive away top talent and destroy your leadership team's morale. To assess your readiness, you must first look at your delegate and elevate worksheet. Are you truly prepared to hand over the activities in your delegate and like or lacks columns? If you find yourself holding onto tasks because you believe nobody else can do them as well as you, you are not ready. Second, evaluate your willingness to submit to the Accountability Chart. An Integrator must have the authority to manage the day-to-day operations, which includes holding you accountable to your roles as the Visionary. If you cannot handle someone telling you no, or if you plan to bypass the Integrator to give direct orders to department heads, you will fail. Third, run a test. Take a two-week vacation where you are completely offline. If your business collapses, or if you cannot resist checking email and calling in, you have not built the necessary systems or trust. Be honest with yourself. If you are not ready to let go, do not hire an Integrator yet. Instead, focus on building your leadership team's capability, documenting your core processes, and practicing letting go of minor decisions. Only when you can step back and trust your team to run the business without your constant intervention should you invest in a true number two.