The Right Time to Hire an Integrator

Special thanks to Ryan Yeoman, an EOS® Implementer, for contributing the following content.

As a professional Entrepreneurial Operating System® Implementer, a common question I hear from entrepreneurs is: “When should I consider hiring an Integrator?” It’s arguably the most important question to ask yourself if you are serious about growing your business.

Presuming you have fully bought into the value of a strong Integrator, the answer is:

You should consider hiring an Integrator when you are ready to truly let go and delegate the running of the business to someone else.

Until and unless you are ready to do that, you should stop considering the question. The willingness and ability to “let go” is the critical prerequisite to getting it right and thriving with an Integrator. 

“Ok, ok - I’m ready to let go. Where do I start?”

For companies running on EOS, the Visionary and Integrator roles are critical. The Visionary is the big-picture thinker who drives the company’s vision, while the Integrator ensures day-to-day operations align with that vision. An effective Integrator is a game-changer, but hiring one too soon or under the wrong circumstances can create challenges.

Here are some key indicators that it might be time to hire an Integrator:

You Feel Stretched Too Thin

As the Visionary, if you are spending more time on daily operations than on strategic thinking, it’s time to consider delegating. An Integrator thrives on managing the details and creating operational clarity, allowing you to focus on your strengths as a Visionary.

You’ve Hit the Ceiling

When growth stagnates despite your efforts, it’s often a sign that your business has outgrown its leadership structure. An Integrator elevates the structure, increases capacity, and ensures the team and processes are aligned for scalable growth.

Your Vision Isn’t Translating into Results

If your team struggles to turn your vision into actionable plans or fails to deliver consistent results, an Integrator bridges the gap. The Integrator executes your ideas and ensure your vision becomes reality.

“Ok, it’s time. Now what?”

Luckily, there are some great resources that can help you work through the next steps:

• Need help defining the role and relationship? Try Rocket Fuel.

  Rocket Fuel centers on the Visionary/Integrator dynamic and how the two roles work together within EOS. It provides detailed guidance on fostering a strong partnership. The book dives deeply into operational frameworks for managing Visionary/Integrator dynamics within EOS, making it more structured and system-focused.

• Need help understanding what life with an Integrator looks like? Try Make the Noise Go Away.

  Make the Noise Go Away focuses on the practical benefits an Integrator (2IC) provides to the Visionary, like reducing operational noise and distractions. The book is less structured and more narrative-driven, with anecdotal insights into how Visionaries have benefited from a great Integrator.

• Need help actually hiring your Integrator? Check out Hiring Your Right Number 2 Leader.

  Hiring Your Right #2 Leader places greater emphasis on the hiring process and finding the right candidate for the Integrator role, including detailed steps for evaluating cultural and operational fit. The book is more tactical, providing hiring checklists, interview questions, and strategies to identify the right leader.

Hiring an Integrator is a pivotal decision for any company. It requires self-awareness, a clear vision, and a readiness to embrace change. If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next move, consider whether it’s time to bring in an Integrator to help you achieve your goals. When done correctly, it can unlock new levels of success for your company.

Are you struggling with stagnant growth, feeling stretched too thin, or chained to day-to-day operations? EOS is a management system with tools that help you break through the ceiling and build a high-performing, scalable organization - and the Integrator is the linchpin for success. Contact us today to learn more how a Fractional Integrator might be your next step in the EOS journey.