I am a Visionary owner who is completely overwhelmed with administrative tasks and project follow-ups. I cannot tell if I need to hire a true Integrator to run the business or if I just need a highly competent Executive Assistant. How do I make this distinction?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a common point of confusion for Visionaries. Confusing these two roles is an expensive mistake that will stall your growth. To make the right decision, you must look at the nature of the tasks you need to offload. An Executive Assistant is a support role that operates under your direction. They manage your calendar, handle your travel, organize files, and draft communications. They do not make strategic decisions, they do not run the leadership team, and they do not manage your department heads. An Integrator, on the other hand, is a leadership seat that manages the day to day operations of the entire company. They run the Level 10 Meeting™, execute the business plan, harmonize the departments, and hold the team accountable to their Rocks. They are your peer, not your assistant. If your business is failing to execute its strategic goals because you are too busy running meetings and managing people, you need an Integrator. If your business runs fine operationally but you are personally bogged down in scheduling, email management, and travel planning, you need an Executive Assistant. Look at your conative strengths. If you have a low Follow Thru on the Kolbe index, an Executive Assistant can help keep you organized, but only an Integrator can build the operational systems that allow you to step back and focus entirely on being a Visionary.