We are eighteen months away from a planned exit, but my leadership team is still bringing every minor operational issue to my desk instead of solving things among themselves. How do I force them to use the IDS® process to self-govern so the business looks acquisition-ready?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Buyers do not pay top dollar for a company that relies on the founder to solve every daily problem. To prepare for a clean exit, you must immediately stop answering their questions. Every time a leader brings you an operational problem, you must ask one question: Is this on your Level 10 Meeting™ Issues List?

If the answer is no, tell them to put it there and walk away. If the answer is yes, ask them what their proposed solution is. You must force them to use the IDS® process without you. The Integrator and the rest of the leadership team must run the Level 10 Meeting™ with complete independence. If you are still in the room during their weekly meetings, step out. Your presence is enabling their dependence.

Let them identify the issues, discuss them openly, and solve them permanently. They must learn to rely on the three pillars of Our Charter, specifically Trust and Same Page. By refusing to play the hero, you force them to build the muscle of self-governance.

When potential buyers perform due diligence, they want to see a leadership team that operates cohesively and solves problems systematically using their own operating tools. Transitioning yourself into the Owner's Box now is the only way to prove the business can run and grow without you.