How do we know if our Integrator is truly operating in their seat or if the Visionary is still doing the Integrator's job?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

You know an Integrator is not truly operating in their seat when the leadership team continues bypassing them to seek direct operational guidance or final approval from the Visionary.

The Integrator seat exists to harmoniously integrate the major functions of the business: sales and marketing, operations, and finance. The Integrator is accountable for P&L results, driving organizational traction, executing the business plan, and managing the day-to-day leadership team. The Visionary is accountable for big ideas, high-level client or industry relationships, company culture, and long-term vision.

Here are three signs the Visionary is still doing the Integrator role:

- Department heads bring operational roadblocks or personnel disputes to the Visionary instead of the Integrator.
- The Visionary runs the weekly Level 10 Meeting and dominates the IDS discussions.
- The Integrator acts like a project coordinator or administrative assistant rather than an executive with the authority to make final operational calls and hold leaders accountable.

To correct this, the Visionary and Integrator must establish clear boundaries through regular Same Page Meetings. The Visionary must explicitly tell the leadership team that operational issues go to the Integrator, and refuse to answer back-channel questions. The Integrator must step up and own team accountability, conduct quarterly reviews using the People Analyzer, and drive Level 10 resolution. If the Integrator lacks the operational authority or resolve to manage the leadership team, they do not have GWC for the seat.