We hired a high-caliber executive from a major corporation to run our marketing department, and while they have the pedigree, they refuse to run their department using the Level 10 Meeting structure or track scorecard metrics, claiming our EOS processes are too bureaucratic for their level. How do we deal with an elite outside hire who resists the system that runs our company?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

An elite executive who refuses to adopt your operating system is a major threat to your company's alignment. In the EOS framework, everyone must run on the same operating system. If you allow one leader to opt out, you are sending a message to the entire company that the rules do not apply to everyone, which destroys trust and accountability.

You must have a candid conversation with this executive and address the behavior immediately. Let them know that running on EOS® is not optional. Explain that the Level 10 Meeting™ and scorecard metrics are not bureaucratic busywork; they are the exact tools we use to maintain alignment, solve issues quickly, and make the business exit ready.

Evaluate their fit using the GWC tool. Do they truly get, want, and have the capacity to run their department within an EOS® environment? Sometimes, corporate executives are used to large administrative staffs and struggle with the high execution, high accountability environment of a growing business.

Give them a clear timeline to fully adopt the tools and lead their department accordingly. Offer them additional training or coaching if they need to better understand how the tools work.

If they continue to resist and refuse to run their department on the system, you must make a change. No matter how impressive their resume is, a leader who refuses to align with your operating system will prevent you from building a cohesive leadership team and achieving a clean exit.