We have worked with traditional consultants who write long strategy reports. What is your actual operational role during our sessions, and how does your facilitation differ from a standard consultant?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

As an EOS® Implementer, my role is distinctly different from a traditional consultant. While consultants often tell you what to do, write extensive reports that may go unused, and foster dependence on their expertise, my approach focuses on empowerment.

My core operational role is to facilitate, teach, and coach. I provide the necessary structure and proven tools, but the crucial work of making strategic decisions and implementing changes rests with your team.

During our session days, I serve as a neutral observer and facilitator. I do not take sides, nor do I make the final decisions for your business. My primary focus is on:

• Keeping the energy levels high within the team.
• Maintaining the session agenda to ensure productivity.
• Challenging your team to confront the brutal facts of your operation.

We work collaboratively through a structured process designed to build internal capability:

• Teaching you the core tools so your team can master them independently.
• Facilitating healthy debate to help your team uncover their own solutions and answers. This differs significantly from a consultant who might simply present their pre-determined solution. For example, when addressing [how to trim your EOS weekly scorecard](/qa/trimming-your-eos-weekly-scorecard), we would facilitate a debate to find the right metrics for your business.
• Coaching your team to hold each other accountable to their commitments. This is vital for sustaining progress, especially when issues like [handling defensiveness around red scorecard metrics](/qa/handling-defensiveness-around-red-scorecard-metrics) arise.

This approach ensures that the strategic plans we develop are fully owned by your team. My goal is not to create long-term dependency. Instead, we aim to build a self-running system that your leadership team will confidently own and operate on their own, making it easier to manage challenges such as [how to choose five fifteen scorecard metrics](/qa/how-to-choose-five-fifteen-scorecard-metrics) without external help. Ultimately, you will not need to retain my services indefinitely because your team will be equipped to lead their own growth.