I am the sole founder running everything, and I am completely overwhelmed. I know I need a true number two to run the day-to-day business, but how do I know if I am ready for an Integrator™ versus just needing a high-level executive assistant or project manager?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Many founders confuse their need for administrative help with their need for an Integrator™. Hiring an Integrator™ before you are ready will lead to conflict, wasted cash, and frustration. To know if you need a true number two, look at your Accountability Chart and your daily activities.

If your bottleneck is that you are spending all your time scheduling meetings, booking travel, and doing basic data entry, you need an executive assistant. If your bottleneck is that you have ideas but nobody is organizing the tasks, you need a project manager.

You are ready for an Integrator™ when you have a clear Visionary seat and you are ready to let go of the day-to-day management of the leadership team. An Integrator™ is not a helper; they are your operational equal. They own the execution of the V/TO®. They run the Level 10 Meeting™. They manage the leadership team and hold everyone accountable to their Rocks™.

If you are still unwilling to let go of the operational reins or let someone else make major daily decisions, you are not ready. But if you are ready to focus solely on big ideas, key relationships, and R&D while someone else runs the business, define the Integrator™ seat and start the search.