We just hired our first external Integrator, but my leadership team is still coming to me for final approval on operational decisions. How do I structurally redirect them to the new Integrator seat without looking like I have checked out?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When you hire an external Integrator, your leadership team will naturally try to bypass them because they are used to your quick decisions. If you continue to answer their questions, you will undermine your new Integrator and guarantee their failure. You must train your team to respect the Accountability Chart.

The next time a team member comes to you for a decision, ask them a simple question: Have you talked to the Integrator about this? If they say no, politely tell them that the Integrator owns that decision and redirect them immediately.

You must also establish clear boundaries during your Level 10 Meeting. Let the team know that the Integrator is responsible for running the business and executing the plan. Your role as Visionary is to focus on big ideas, key relationships, and culture, not daily operations.

Ensure your team understands that redirecting them is not checking out; it is letting the structure work. When you step back, you allow the Integrator to lead.

Use your weekly Same Page Meeting with the Integrator to stay aligned so you can confidently support their decisions in front of the team. If you and the Integrator show a united front, the team will quickly adapt to the new reporting structure and start looking to the Integrator for daily operational guidance.