It rarely fails…
Almost always, visionary women entrepreneurs feel like they’re not ready for a second-in-command, an Integrator matched perfectly to their business. Often, they are and simply don’t realize it.
So, how about you?
Are you ready?
If you’re not sure, we can help.
As the Visionary owner of a growing business, you’ve been juggling all the balls for a long time. You’re the founder and big-picture thinker, and you know the growth your business can achieve - but you just don’t have the time or energy to grow.
Because you have no time, you can't solve those big challenges and take care of those major external relationships because you must stay focused on the daily details, which you have no patience for and want no part in handling.
As a result, you’re doing everything and are burned out, feel like you have no control or freedom, and don’t know how much longer you can take it.
What's the Solution?
In a nutshell, you need an Integrator.
Put another way, you need a second-in-command, an Integrator, who can take all those details and run with them. Your business requires someone to take over the execution of those hundreds of tasks and also make sure everyone is on the same page to take the company to the next level.
In addition, your role needs a high-level counterpart to make sure your managers and team are in the right seats and doing the right jobs.
So Visionary, it’s time to step into the CEO role permanently and turn the operational reins over to an Integrator.
In short, you were born to lead, and your Integrator was born to execute.
And finally, you need the time, space, and freedom to work your Visionary CEO magic and live the life you envisioned when you started your company.
Visionary? Integrator? So, What's the Difference?
As Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters state in their book Rocket Fuel, “an Integrator is a person who has the Unique Ability® to harmoniously integrate the major functions of the business, run the organization, and manage the day-to-day issues that arise.”
What that means to your business is that you, the Visionary, have the Unique Ability® to be the “entrepreneurial ‘spark plug’, the inspirer, and the passion provider”. Also, you’re “the big problem solver” and the “closer of big deals”. As you know, the vision of the company is your joy, and the growth of the business is your pleasure.
Therefore, you and your Integrator are opposites who fit together and complement each other perfectly.
While you feel ready to bring on an Integrator, a second-in-command, because you’re frustrated, burned out, and tired, you may have doubts whether your company is ready.
Are You AND Your Business Ready for a Integrator?
To know if you're ready, Rocket Fuel offers guidance in knowing if it’s time for an Integrator.
Firstly, how is your financial readiness? Are you able to afford a Integrator with your current revenue? A true Integrator is rare, and the return on investment is worth it not only financially, but also in terms of your time and freedom. In addition, the expertise of a seasoned Integrator will help move your business forward while giving you the space to step fully into your Visionary role.
Now ask yourself, are you in a financial position to invest in the business by finding your Integrator?
Secondly, Wickman and Winters discuss psychological readiness. Even more so than financial readiness, psychological factors pose a tremendous challenge for Visionaries. Are you ready to let go of control, and are you ready to hand off the reins to the Integrator? If you're honest with yourself, are you willing to let her drive while you plan the trip?
Fortunately, most Visionaries feel ready for the third area, lifestyle readiness. For example, are you ready to work fewer daily hours or perhaps not take work home every night? Certainly, you're ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor a bit? Or, perhaps you’re looking forward not to fewer hours, but to spending your days as the CEO fully, instead of having the COO tasks getting in your way and disrupting your focus?
Lastly, Rocket Fuel discusses Unique Ability®. Is it time for you to step fully into the role you were born to play in your business? For some, this can be anxiety provoking.
Is It Time to Come Out?
Right now, you can hide a little in the shadows when you’re wearing the COO hat. However, if you onboard an Integrator, you’re in the spotlight, and you’re visible. Are you ready for that?
What's Your Wish List?
When you think about it, what would you like your Integrator to take charge of?
Normally, an Integrator oversees or takes over all the daily operations and management of the business, such as:
So, What Can Your Integrator Do For You?
Keeping all these items in mind, if you could have your Integrator focus on any functions or tasks, what would they be? First, let your mind run free, and then think of what you don’t have time to tackle now. Next, dream about your perfect day at your perfect business. What would happen (or not)?
Finally, write down everything you can think of. Do a brain dump, and create your Integrator Wish List.
After you do this, let me ask you again: are you and your business ready for an Integrator?
So, after reading this, are you curious how strong a Visionary you are? Take this quiz and see where you fall on the Visionary spectrum.
Then, if you’re ready to talk about your need for an Integrator, let me know.
As I expected, I took the quiz and I'm a 100% Integrator! For all who know and have worked with me, this comes as no surprise!
Before you go, I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below to let me know how this post landed on you. Also, after taking the quiz to determine how strong of a Visionary you are, let me know your results below.