Exploring the Myth that Integrators Steal Business from Implementers

You’ve heard of EOS® but feel suspicious of the need to bring in so many outside “experts” into your business. Or maybe you’re an Implementer who has grown distrustful of professionals selling themselves as EOS® experts. Either way, there are plenty of reasonable questions to bring to the table when considering whether or not to pay for a service.

Here, we take a look at the three main EOS® roles to get an understanding of their value and their synergistic potential. Then we also examine the fear that Integrators will steal clients from the Implementers they work with. Stick with us as we address these concerns head-on, exploring the nuances of these roles and how they can collaboratively drive success within the EOS® framework.

What Are the EOS® Roles?

In the EOS® framework, three critical roles drive success: the Visionary, the Integrator, and the Implementer. These three roles have distinct purposes and require different skills.

Different Skill Sets

The unique abilities of each EOS® role underscore why these roles are complementary rather than interchangeable.

Visionary: The Big-Picture Thinker

Visionaries are the creative powerhouses of an organization. They excel in envisioning future possibilities and setting strategic directions. Their strengths lie in being growth-oriented and adept at connecting macro-level dots to craft overarching strategies. Because of their focus on the broader vision, they are less involved in the minutiae of day-to-day operations.

Integrator: The Operational Expert

Contrasting with the Visionary's broad approach, Integrators thrive on details. They are meticulous planners and effective mediators, adept at translating high-level visions into executable plans. Their role is vital in ensuring operational alignment with strategic goals, focusing on the steps necessary for long-term success, and resolving conflicts within the organization.

Implementer: The Systematic Facilitator

Implementers bring a coaching perspective to the EOS® model. The Implementer's skill lies in introducing and managing the EOS® system, providing a structured approach that allows businesses to focus on their core competencies. They offer an external and holistic perspective, and their facilitation frees the company to focus on growth and innovation.

These roles, with their specialized skill sets, form a symbiotic relationship within the EOS® framework. The Visionary's strategic direction, the Integrator's operational execution, and the Implementer's facilitative coaching are all critical to an organization's success, highlighting the importance of respecting and leveraging each role's unique contributions.

Complementary Strengths

Each role complements the others, creating a balanced and effective system.

Visionary and Integrator: A natural pairing, the Visionary and Integrator work in tandem. The Visionary dreams up big ideas and the overarching picture, while the Integrator translates these into actionable plans. The Integrator serves as a leadership coach and strategist, methodically incorporating the Visionary's concepts into the business.

Integrator and Implementer: The Implementer equips the Integrator with the tools and systems, such as the EOS®, to turn visions into reality. This partnership grounds the Visionary's ideas and ensures operational efficiency and speed.

While there are overlaps between the Integrator and Implementer roles, they are distinct in their capacity and application. The Integrator focuses on internal business operations, whereas the Implementer provides an external, omniscient perspective and facilitates the EOS® process.

Key Takeaway: Effective EOS® implementation requires these roles to function distinctly yet collaboratively. Each role’s unique strengths contribute to a balanced and dynamic business environment.

Fact or Fiction: Integrators and Implementers Are Competitors?

The picture of three fearless leaders—the Visionary, Integrator, and Implementer—collaboratively making more sustainable, productive, and profitable practices for your organization is appealing. But it doesn’t always work out so cohesively.

Let’s examine the claim that Integrators steal business from Implementers. Often the people who fill these roles will come from outside organizations to work with your business. Are these two roles competitors? The answer is a bit complex, and we’ll give you both the short and long answers.

The Short Answer

No, they are not competitors. Integrators and Implementers are both essential and unique contributors to an organization's success with EOS®. A team employing EOS® needs both roles effectively filled. Their skill sets are distinct and their roles are structured differently.

While Implementers may work with multiple clients simultaneously, guiding them through the EOS® process, Integrators typically work more intensively with a single organization, although fractional Integrators might handle a few clients at a time.

Addressing Misconceptions

Despite these differences, there can be concerns about fractional Integrators potentially harming client relationships or even taking business away from Implementers. While we don’t want to discount these unfortunate situations, we do want to point out that Integrators who steal business aren’t fully on board with the EOS® ethos. It's in the Integrator's best interest to support and be supported by an Implementer, as this collaboration enhances the effectiveness of the system within the organization. This is a justified fear that emphasizes the importance of working with an EOS® team you can trust.

Avoiding Risks with Authenticity

To mitigate the risks of working with an inauthentic Integrator, thorough vetting is vital. Hiring an Integrator recommended by the EOS® community can provide assurance of their understanding and commitment to the system. The key is partnering with the right team or Integrator who not only knows the EOS® system but is also fully supportive of Implementers. Such a partnership ensures the most effective application of EOS® principles, aligning both Integrators and Implementers towards a common goal of organizational success.

Key Takeaway: Implementers and Integrators are not competitors. However, some Integrators do try to steal business from the Implementers they work with in a way that is inauthentic to the ethos of EOS®. Avoid these situations by working with thoroughly vetted Integrators.

Collaborating with GCE Integrators: A Case Study with EOS® Implementer, Brett Stewart

If you are either a Visionary or Implementer who feels a need for Integrator support, GCE is your trusted provider of EOS® coaching and fractional Integrators. GCE's reputation is built on successful collaborations with both the organizations they serve and the Implementers they partner with. Brett Stewart, EOS® Implementer, shared some of his thoughts on working with GCE Integrators.

Successful Collaboration and Trust

First of all, Stewart doesn’t discount the fears Implementers have around Integrators stealing business. Agreeing with the importance of vetting potential Integrators, he emphasizes the importance of transparency and openness in building trust in the EOS® relationship.

Stewart recounts a time he worked with GCE in multiple capacities, including coaching, enhancing leadership skills, and enforcing the EOS® structure within a company. GCE’s involvement led the company to function more fluidly as a team. About this experience, he shares that when GCE works with EOS® clients, “they bring the right tools to the table to solve the real issues.”

Advice to Implementers

For Implementers considering a partnership with GCE, Stewart offers reassurance: “You should not have any concerns; if there is a need for an Integrator, then GCE is the only place I would go.” He stresses the importance of partnering with Integrators who not only understand but fully support the EOS® system.

Key Takeaway: At GCE, our team offers a deep understanding of EOS® to make your job easier, ensuring smoother project execution and better results. With GCE, there isn’t a concern of an Integrator encroaching on an Implementer's client base, allowing for a focused and collaborative effort toward organizational success.

How to Work with GCE

At GCE, two of our core values are Integrity and the Greater Good. We work with transparency and honesty with all our clients and partners and strive to create positive change for our broader community.

Along with Brett Stewart’s kind words, we also have testimonials from both Gino Wickman, founder of EOS®, and Mark O’Donnell, the CEO of EOS®.

To learn more about our values and vision, and read what other references say about us, check out our About page.

Curious to learn how we can collaborate? We’ll start by scheduling a consultation to learn about your business needs and strengths. Fill out our contact form or book a call with any member of our incredible team.

EOS® Implementer, Fractional Integrator, and Visionary: Why All Are Essential