We are hiring a fractional Integrator to run the business while I prepare for a clean exit, but my leadership team is bypassing them and still coming to me for final approvals. How do we enforce the boundaries of this fractional seat on our Accountability Chart?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a common issue during exit preparation. Your leadership team is bypassing the fractional Integrator because you are allowing them to do so. If you do not stop this behavior, you will never be able to sell the business, because buyers will see that you are still the operational bottleneck.

You must enforce the boundaries of your Accountability Chart with absolute discipline.

First, have a candid conversation with your leadership team. Remind them that the fractional Integrator is the operational leader of the business. Their seat on the Accountability Chart has full authority over daily operations, resource allocation, and team management.

Second, change your own behavior. When a team member comes to you with an operational issue or asks for an approval, you must ask one simple question: Have you talked to the Integrator about this?

If they have not, immediately redirect them to the Integrator. Do not give your opinion, and do not make the decision for them. Even if you disagree with the Integrator's approach, you must address that privately during your Same Page Meeting, never in front of the team.

Third, ensure your fractional Integrator is leading the weekly Level 10 Meeting™ and driving accountability on Rocks. Your role as the Visionary is to focus on the long-term strategy and the clean exit, not daily operations. By respecting the structure of your Accountability Chart, you show your team, and future buyers, that the business can run successfully without you.