My co-founder and I have run this company as equals for ten years, but our EOS® Implementer says we cannot have two names in the Visionary seat. We both want to retain our strategic influence. How do we structure this on our Accountability Chart?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The EOS® rule is non-negotiable: only one name can sit in a seat on the Accountability Chart. When two people share a seat, accountability is completely diluted, leading to confusion for the leadership team and gridlock in decision-making. You and your co-founder must separate your ownership rights from your operational roles.

As owners, you have equal say in the long-term direction of the company. Operationally, however, you must divide and conquer. Use Keith Cunningham's Thinking Time to objectively evaluate who is best suited for the Visionary seat and who should own other critical leadership seats.

Typically, one co-founder is more suited for the Visionary role, focused on big ideas, key relationships, and R&D. The other co-founder often excels as the Integrator, running the business day-to-day, or as the Head of Product or Head of Sales.

Use the Kolbe Index to assess your conative strengths. If one of you has a higher Quick Start and the other has a higher Follow Thru, the division of labor becomes obvious. Choose one operational owner for the Visionary seat, and place the other in a seat that matches their unique ability.