Many business owners assume that if they have an Integrator (#2 leader), they don’t need to hire an EOS Implementer. It seems logical—after all, an Integrator is responsible for aligning the leadership team, making decisions, and executing the vision. Why not also facilitate EOS planning sessions?
But this shortcut actually slows businesses down. An Integrator’s job is to drive execution, not facilitate meetings or train leadership teams on EOS. By asking them to do both, you create distractions, reduce efficiency, and ultimately weaken business results.
Here’s why keeping these roles separate leads to faster growth, stronger leadership, and better execution.
An Integrator Should Be in the Business—Not Teaching It
An Integrator plays a critical role in a business’s day-to-day operations. But what does a fractional integrator do? They ensure the company’s vision is implemented, they align departments, and they solve high-level challenges. They are responsible for execution—not facilitation.
EOS Implementers, on the other hand, are coaches and facilitators. Their job is to train the leadership team in EOS, structure meetings, and ensure that the system is followed correctly.
When an Integrator is forced to also act as the EOS Implementer, they have to shift their focus away from driving execution and instead spend time preparing EOS meetings, facilitating discussions, and training the leadership team. The more time they spend in this role, the less time they have to make decisions, drive accountability, and push the business forward.
This split focus creates inefficiencies that slow down growth and execution. Instead of solving business challenges, your Integrator is stuck running meetings. Instead of leading, they are coaching. Instead of executing, they are teaching.
Why EOS® Implementation Is a Full-Time Job
Implementing EOS® isn’t just about running meetings—it requires:
- Structuring annual and quarterly planning sessions
- Coaching the leadership team through EOS® principles
- Holding the team accountable to staying within the system
- Ensuring meetings follow the Level 10 format
- Helping leaders work through roadblocks and strategic issues
Forcing an Integrator to take on these responsibilities means they either:
- Fail to execute their primary job effectively, or
- Struggle to fully implement EOS®, leaving gaps in the process.
Instead of gaining efficiency by combining roles, you actually lose momentum on both execution and EOS® adoption.
The Problem with an Integrator Facilitating Their Own Meetings
One of the biggest problems with having an Integrator facilitate EOS is that they can’t step back and think strategically.
Quarterly and annual planning sessions are critical moments for leadership teams to reflect, set priorities, and solve big-picture issues. The Integrator should be deeply involved in these discussions, analyzing how strategy aligns with execution, identifying obstacles, and ensuring key initiatives are achievable.
But when an Integrator is also the meeting facilitator, they are forced to focus on meeting structure, keeping discussions on track, and following the EOS process.
This role shift pulls them out of deep strategic thinking and turns them into a meeting manager rather than a business leader. As a result, discussions don’t go as deep, critical insights are missed, and strategic decisions aren’t as strong.
By hiring a separate EOS Implementer®, you allow your Integrator to fully engage in strategic discussions rather than being distracted by facilitation.
Businesses That Separate These Roles Scale Faster
The most successful businesses understand that the right people should focus on the right responsibilities.
- A great Integrator should be fully focused on execution.
- A great EOS Implementer should be fully focused on facilitation.
By keeping these roles separate, businesses scale faster, execute better, and create stronger leadership teams. The Integrator is able to drive accountability, align departments, and push strategic initiatives forward—without being burdened by EOS facilitation.
Meanwhile, the EOS Implementer ensures the system is correctly applied and helps leadership teams refine their strategy.This division of responsibility leads to a more effective leadership team, clearer priorities, and faster business growth.
Keep Your Integrator Focused on Execution
Your Integrator should be fully engaged in driving execution, solving business challenges, and making strategic decisions—not leading EOS implementation.
If you want to get the most out of both roles, hire an EOS Implementer to facilitate and train your leadership team, while your Integrator stays focused on executing the vision and driving results.
???? Want to ensure your leadership structure supports long-term success? Take the MOAA assessment to determine your business stage and the exact type of Integrator you need.
