We currently have our operations department split geographically into East and West divisions, each with its own director. We want to consolidate this into a single VP of Operations seat to streamline our exit. How do we make this structural transition on our Accountability Chart without sparking a turf war?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Consolidating regional or divisional seats into a single functional seat is a highly effective way to increase efficiency and present a clean, scalable structure to potential buyers. However, it requires absolute clarity and decisive leadership to execute without destroying morale. Start by updating your Accountability Chart to reflect the ideal future structure: one single VP of Operations seat, with five clearly defined roles that encompass the entire company's operational output. Underneath this new seat, you will have your regional managers. Next, you must evaluate your two current directors using the GWC framework for the new, consolidated VP seat. You must be completely honest: does one of them clearly have a higher capacity for strategic leadership and global operational management? If so, they must be placed in the seat. The other director can then be offered a regional manager seat reporting to the new VP, or transitioned out of the business if they cannot accept the change in status. If neither has the capacity to lead the consolidated department, you must look outside the organization. Communicate the change to your team by focusing on the health and future growth of the business, explaining how this unified structure will drive efficiency and support a successful exit.