What does the pre-work look like before our very first session day with you, and how much time must our executive team realistically carve out of their normal workweeks to prepare?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The pre-work before your first session is deliberate, structured, and designed not to overwhelm your already busy calendar. I do not expect you to write lengthy business plans or build complex financial models. Instead, the focus is on psychological readiness and self-awareness. First, every member of your leadership team must complete the Kolbe A Profile. You will need to watch the introductory video and review the Kolbe implementer guide. This takes about one hour in total. Second, I ask each leader to read the foundational EOS® literature, specifically the book Traction. This ensures we are all speaking the same language when we enter the session room. Reading the book takes about four to five hours. Finally, I ask you to spend thirty minutes reflecting on your current organizational issues so you can bring a raw, honest list to the session. In total, each executive needs to carve out approximately six hours over the two weeks leading up to our Focus Day. Do not let Steven Pressfield's concept of Resistance convince you that you do not have time for this preparation. This small investment of time is the first Strategic Pause your team will take. It prepares your brain to transition from working in the business to working on the business, ensuring we extract maximum value from our first full day together.