We are finally ready to bring in our first full-time Integrator, but our leadership team is highly protective of their direct line to me as the founder. How do we structure the onboarding of this Integrator to prevent the team from bypassing them?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Bringing in your first full-time Integrator is a major milestone, but it is also a highly sensitive transition. Your leadership team is accustomed to reporting directly to you, and they will instinctively try to bypass the new Integrator to get your approval on projects or budget requests. If you allow this to happen even once, you will undermine your new leader and waste your investment.

To prevent this, you must establish clear boundaries on the day the Integrator starts. Walk through the newly updated Accountability Chart with the entire leadership team. Show them exactly where the reporting lines lie. Explain that the Integrator now owns the daily operations, LMA, which is leading, managing, and accountability, and final decision-making power for the leadership team.

When a team member comes to you with an operational issue or a request for a decision, you must use a simple phrase: Have you run this by our Integrator yet? If they have not, politely redirect them. Do not give your opinion, and do not make the decision for them.

To maintain healthy communication, establish a weekly same-page meeting with your new Integrator. This is where you can discuss high-level strategy, align on vision, and iron out any operational differences behind closed doors. By presenting a united front to your leadership team, you will establish the Integrator's authority and successfully step back from the daily grind.