We rely heavily on agency partners and fractional executives to run core parts of our business like marketing and IT. How do we map these external resources on our Accountability Chart and hold them to EOS standards?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

A common mistake in growing businesses is leaving external partners, agencies, or fractional executives off the Accountability Chart. If an external resource is responsible for a major business function, they must be mapped on your chart just like a full-time employee.

The Accountability Chart is designed around seats and functions, not specific headcounts. If you have an outsourced agency managing your marketing, they occupy the Marketing seat. You must define the five major roles for that seat and ensure the agency lead GWC™ those roles.

They must have the capacity to deliver, understand your vision, and want the accountability. If they cannot or will not operate under this framework, you have the wrong partner in the seat.

Hold your external partners accountable to your weekly Scorecard metrics and have them participate in your Level 10 Meetings™ if they own a core seat. This integrates them into your operating system, aligning their performance with your business objectives and eliminating the disconnect that often happens with third-party vendors. Treat them as part of the team to drive real results.