As amazing as visionary entrepreneurs are, they still need the perfect counterpart to manifest their vision. This counterpart, often referred to as the Integrator™, can sometimes be lurking within your existing team, just waiting for recognition. So how do you identify them?
In their book Rocket Fuel, Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters discuss a few ways for a Visionary to find their perfect Integrator™:
In this article, we’ll discuss the second avenue: spotting that Integrator™ from within your ranks.
Spotting the Perfect Integrator™ in Your Midst
Your perfect Integrator™ could be in your midst as we speak. You just need to keep your eyes and mind open to find the right fit. Perhaps they’re part of your leadership team or a rising star yet to be given a leadership role. They could be new and not very well known, or they may have been on your team for a long time. Either way, it’s time to start looking for your perfect counterpart.
When looking for the perfect Integrator™ who will be the peanut butter to your jelly, it's important to keep in mind that it’s not about how long someone has been with your company or their current role. It's about their skills, aptitudes, and attitudes.
Guiding Your Search: The Ideal Integrator™'s Job Description
In Rocket Fuel, Wickman and Winters lay out a potential job description for your perfect Integrator™, serving as a blueprint to identify potential candidates within your current team. Let’s look at some of the roles and responsibilities of your ideal Integrator™ so you have a clearer picture of what to search for in your team.
Responsibilities of the Ideal Integrator™:
1. Ensure Team Cohesion & Drive Superior Outcomes:
2. Provide Swift and Effective Troubleshooting:
3. Embodiment of Company Vision through Compliance and Advocacy:
Characteristics to Prioritize in Your Integrator™ Search
As you think about finding your Integrator™, you’ll want to consider the following traits and think of specific team members who possess them.
Problem-Solving Prowess:
Without a doubt, your perfect Integrator™ must be a problem solver. They must be able to collect data on issues, think them through, and determine the best course of action that aligns with your company's values and vision.
The Pillar of Accountability:
Of course, anyone who works with you at a high level must be responsible and hold themselves accountable. The buck stops with them. They need to embrace responsibility and thrive under it.
Sturdy and Unwavering:
An Integrator™ will, at times, bear uncomfortable news. They need the grit to remain steadfast, ensuring decisions aren’t swayed by external emotions, even if those emotions stem from you.
Agile and Resilient:
Rapid change demands adaptability. Your Integrator™ needs to exhibit resilience, adjusting seamlessly to shifts while ensuring they remain attuned to the company’s pulse.
Mastery in Training and Metrics:
Last but not least, your perfect Integrator™ must be proficient in training or overseeing others who do the training. They also need to have an intimate understanding of leadership metrics. Ideally, they will be part of the team that creates and analyzes those metrics.
The Perfect Combination: Ham & Eggs Analogy
In their transformative book, Wickman and Winters describe the complementary flow, fit, and function of an effective Visionary – Integrator™ duo, encapsulating it with the “ham and egging it” metaphor.
Where one is weak, the other is strong. When one makes a mistake, the other picks up the ball and runs. In a nutshell, they complement each other perfectly, just like ham and eggs. When you’ve found this person, hold on tight. You have a rare gem who will help you grow your business, weather any storms, and help create and celebrate many victories over the years.
Finding Your Perfect Integrator™ Fit & Setting Them Up For Success
Now that you’re equipped to get out there and find the egg to your ham, what’s next? Well, finding your Integrator™ is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in empowering them to thrive in this dynamic role, ensuring they align perfectly with your vision and the EOS® framework you've adopted. But the good news is that you don’t have to go at it alone!
Here’s how I can help:
Your company's next level of growth and harmony is just a conversation away. Schedule a call with me today to unlock the full potential of your Integrator™ and elevate your business to unprecedented success.
Your Insights Matter: I’d love to hear your thoughts on this article and your experiences in the Visionary-Integrator™ dynamic. Drop a comment below, and let’s foster a rich dialogue for EOS®-driven businesses.