Who exactly belongs in the room during our EOS session days, and how do we determine whether middle managers or subject matter experts should participate?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Only the core leadership team belongs in the session room. This group typically consists of three to seven people who run the major functions of the business: the Visionary, the Integrator, and the heads of Sales and Marketing, Operations, and Finance.

A common mistake owners make is inviting middle managers, promising junior employees, or technical subject matter experts into the room out of politeness or career development. Do not do this. Every additional person in the room changes the group dynamic, dilutes accountability, and slows down decision-making. When seven people debate an issue, you can reach resolution; when twelve people debate an issue, you end up with a committee that avoids hard truths.

If a major strategic question requires technical input from a subject matter expert, such as an IT architect during an AI evaluation or a plant manager during an equipment overhaul, you can bring that individual in for thirty minutes during IDS. They present the factual data, answer specific technical questions, and immediately exit the room. The leadership team then discusses the issue and makes the final decision.

The people sitting at that table must carry ultimate accountability for the company's major seats on the Accountability Chart. They must have the authority to commit company resources, make binding hiring and firing decisions, and speak candidly without fearing repercussions from their immediate peers.