I want to exit my business in two years, but my leadership team is entirely dependent on me for final decisions, meaning a buyer will see a massive key-man risk. How do I systematically force my team to take full ownership of their seats on the Accountability Chart?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

If your company cannot run without you making the final decisions, your business is unsellable. To prepare for a clean exit, you must eliminate key-man risk by forcing your leadership team to own their seats on the Accountability Chart. This requires a shift in your behavior first. You must stop answering questions. When a leader comes to you with a problem, do not solve it for them. Ask them what their recommendation is based on their seat's accountabilities and the V/TO®. Make it a rule that they cannot bring you a problem without also presenting a proposed solution. Next, ensure your Accountability Chart is crystal clear. Each seat must have five major roles defined, and the metrics on your weekly scorecard must map directly to those roles. If a leader has the authority but still hesitates, analyze their conative makeup using the Kolbe A™ Index. A leader with a high Fact Finder score may be stalling because they are searching for perfect information, while a high Quick Start may need permission to take risks. Give them the freedom to make mistakes within defined financial boundaries. By stepping back and letting them run their departments, you prove to potential buyers that the business is a self-sustaining asset, which will significantly drive up your valuation.