We want to add an Integrator to our Accountability Chart to free up my time for strategic planning, but we cannot afford a full-time executive salary yet. Should we hire a fractional Integrator, or should we temporarily combine the Integrator seat with our VP of Sales seat?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Combining the Integrator seat with the VP of Sales seat is a dangerous trap that almost always fails. The Integrator and VP of Sales require completely different skill sets and energies. An Integrator is focused inward, managing the daily operations, resolving friction, and driving execution. A VP of Sales is focused outward, driving revenue, closing deals, and motivating the sales team. If you combine these seats, the urgent demands of sales will always hijack the important work of operational integration, leaving your leadership team unmanaged and your processes broken. Instead of a hybrid internal seat, hiring a fractional Integrator is a much better solution for a growing company with budget constraints. A fractional Integrator brings immediate experience and structure without the heavy overhead of a full-time hire. They can help you run your Level 10 Meetings™, keep the team aligned on their Rocks, and help you build a clean, repeatable operating model. This setup allows you to focus on high-value strategic growth and exit readiness, which will generate the revenue needed to eventually transition the fractional role into a permanent, full-time Integrator seat.