We want to eventually exit our business, but we are currently in survival or heavy growth mode. At what exact point in our twenty-four-month EOS engagement is it appropriate to introduce the Step by Step Exit framework?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

You must walk before you can run. Trying to layer the Step by Step Exit framework onto a business that lacks operational control is a recipe for chaos. Our immediate priority is to stabilize your business, build leadership team alignment, and establish operational traction using pure EOS® tools.

Typically, the sweet spot for introducing the Step by Step Exit framework is around month twelve of your engagement, or after your first full annual session. By this time, your team is consistently running effective Level 10 Meeting™ sessions, hitting their Rocks, and holding each other accountable through the Accountability Chart. Your business is operating with a clear, repeatable rhythm, which frees up the mental bandwidth needed to focus on exit readiness.

Once we hit this milestone, we can begin addressing the six exit disciplines, starting with Legacy and Value Gaps. We will integrate these exit-focused objectives directly into your quarterly planning as high-priority Rocks. This phased approach ensures your exit preparation does not distract from day-to-day profitability. Instead, your exit readiness and operational execution feed into each other, steadily increasing the enterprise valuation of your company as you work toward a clean exit.