I am a Visionary founder running a fifty-person company, and I am still handling daily fire fighting because I do not have a true second-in-command. How do I know if I actually need to hire a full-time Integrator, or if I just need to get better at delegating to my existing department heads?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Many founders mistake a lack of delegation for a lack of structure. Before you hire an Integrator, you must determine if you are actually ready to let go of the vine. An Integrator is your second-in-command, the person who runs the day-to-day operations, manages the leadership team, and executes the vision.

You need a true Integrator when you have hit your personal ceiling and are holding the company back. If you find that your department heads are operating in silos, dropping balls, and failing to execute their quarterly Rocks because they lack daily alignment, you need an Integrator. You also need one if you are a classic Visionary who loves big ideas but detests process, structure, and managing people.

Look at your Accountability Chart. If you are currently sitting in both the Visionary and the Integrator seats, you are wearing too many hats. A true Integrator will run the Level 10 Meeting, hold the other leaders accountable, and keep the organization focused on the V/TO.

Do not make this hire if you are just looking for a personal assistant or an administrative manager. An Integrator is a peer who has the authority to make hard decisions and say no to your wild ideas. If you are preparing for a clean exit, having a strong, proven Integrator in place is one of the single most effective ways to increase your company valuation, because it proves to buyers that the business does not rely on you to survive.