My business partner and I want to share the Integrator seat on our Accountability Chart because we have different strengths that complement each other. Our team is used to reporting to both of us. Why can we not just have two people in the Integrator seat?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The short answer is no. Having two people in the Integrator seat is a structural error that will stall your company and confuse your team. In EOS, we have a strict rule: only one name can sit in a seat on the Accountability Chart.

When you have two Integrators, you create a two-headed monster. Your employees will quickly learn to play you against each other, seeking permission from the partner they think is most likely to say yes. This destroys accountability, slows down decision-making, and creates unnecessary friction on your leadership team.

To resolve this, you and your partner must have an honest conversation about your unique abilities. Look at the roles of the Integrator seat, which include running the day-to-day operations, beating the drum of accountability, and executing the business plan. Which one of you truly Gets, Wants, and has the Capacity for this seat?

The partner who does not take the Integrator seat must step into another major seat on the Accountability Chart, such as Visionary, Sales, or Technology, where their strengths are best utilized. This clean division of labor is essential to prepare your business for a clean exit.