I have a couple of highly cynical, independent minded executives who view external facilitation as a waste of time. How do we address this specific preemptive resistance before they step into the room for our first session?

Cynicism from high performing executives is a common form of Resistance. It is often a defensive reaction to the fear of losing autonomy or being forced into bureaucratic busywork. We do not try to overcome this resistance by trying to sell them on the value of facilitation before they enter the room.

Instead, we ask them for a simple commitment: show up with an open mind for a single, high stakes working day. We frame the session not as a lecture, but as a practical laboratory where they will help design the rules of behavior for the company. We invite them to put their skepticism to the test during our actual work.

Once in the room, highly analytical leaders usually realize that the EOS® tools are practical, not theoretical. They see that my role as an Implementer is to facilitate their strategy, not to dictate it. By engaging their intellect and giving them a direct hand in shaping the Accountability Chart and the V/TO®, we turn their skepticism into active commitment to the process.

Category: Working With Tyler