We are hiring a new Chief Financial Officer who will join our leadership team halfway through our annual EOS cycle. How do you help us onboard this new leader into our ongoing session work with you without slowing down the momentum of the rest of the team?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Bringing a new leader onto the executive team is a sensitive transition that can easily disrupt your operating momentum. To onboard a new executive halfway through your annual cycle, you must be intentional about preparing them before they step into a session day with Tyler.

Before their first session, the new leader must complete a structured onboarding process. They need to read Traction to understand the fundamentals of the system. You must also walk them through your current V/TO®, your active quarterly Rocks, and the exact roles defined on your Accountability Chart. This foundational knowledge ensures they do not arrive feeling lost or confused by the terminology.

Tyler will also hold a brief alignment call with the new executive prior to the session day. This call serves to introduce the facilitation style, set expectations, and answer any mechanical questions about how the day operates.

During the session day itself, the onboarding continues naturally:
- The existing team models the open and honest behavior expected in the room.
- Tyler will actively manage the room's dynamic, ensuring the new leader is invited into the discussion without slowing down the pacing.
- The new leader is encouraged to ask questions, but the focus remains on executing the agenda.

This structured approach allows the new executive to integrate quickly, building trust and maintaining your team's traction.