My leadership team keeps bypassing our Integrator and coming directly to me as the Visionary for quick answers, which is completely undermining our Accountability Chart and stalling our operational progress. How do I break this habit and redirect them?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When leadership team members bypass the Integrator and come directly to you as the Visionary, it creates massive operational whiplash and destroys the authority of your number two. It usually happens because you are giving them quick answers, which rewards their bad behavior. To break this habit, you must implement a strict rule of self-discipline. The next time a team member comes to you with an operational question or a request for a decision, you must ask one simple question: Have you talked to the Integrator about this yet? If the answer is no, you must politely but firmly send them away. Do not offer your opinion or try to solve the problem for them. In your next same-page meeting with your Integrator, review the Accountability Chart to ensure there is no confusion about who owns what. The Integrator must own the daily operations and execution, while you focus on big ideas and culture. When the leadership team sees that you are completely aligned and that you will not entertain side conversations, they will start going to the Integrator first. This strengthens the Integrator's leadership, frees up your time to focus on your actual seat, and keeps the entire organization running smoothly.