My Integrator and I find ourselves constantly giving conflicting directions to our leadership team, which is destroying their execution. How do we get on the same page before our misalignments tear the team apart?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When the Visionary and Integrator are not aligned, the leadership team suffers from whiplash. The solution is simple but requires discipline, you must implement the Same Page Meeting™ immediately. This is a recurring, private meeting between the two of you, held at least every two weeks, though weekly is better. During this meeting, you must identify, discuss, and solve every point of friction between your visions. Never bring your disagreements into the weekly Level 10 Meeting™ or in front of your direct reports. If you disagree on a strategy, a metric, or a personnel decision, you must debate it privately until you reach a unified decision. If your team detects even a hairline fracture between the two of you, they will exploit it, often unconsciously, by playing you against each other. During your Same Page Meeting™, walk through your Issues List, review the V/TO®, and ensure you are completely aligned on the current quarterly Rocks. If you cannot reach agreement, the tie breaker rule must apply. On strategic direction and big ideas, the Visionary has the final say. On daily execution and operational management, the Integrator has the final say. Once you leave that room, you must present a completely united front to the leadership team. Alignment at the top is the absolute foundation of a healthy business.