A short guidance video by Mark C. Winters for leadership pairs (visionary + integrator) on how integrators should hold visionaries accountable. It stresses that integrators must be willing to enforce agreed-upon accountability (set during same-page meetings), that visionaries actually need structure even if it feels uncomfortable, and that integrators have options (including leaving) if the visionary refuses the agreed accountability.
A common integrator pain point is how to hold the visionary accountable. The short answer is Dear integrator, you must hold them accountable. A visionary needs a strong integrator who can be forceful enough to stand up to them and hold them accountable. Most visionaries don't like to hear this, but they need a certain amount of structure to feel free. But first, the visionary and the integrator must agree on how this will work. The best place to do that is during their same page meetings. They both need to agree on how accountable the integrator will hold the visionary. So some visionaries want greater freedom. Others really want their integrator to hold them highly accountable. Make that crystal clear. Then the visionary needs to understand that it will not feel good when the integrator holds them accountable to whatever degree they agree upon. And visionaries must learn to deal with that, honoring their commitment to the VI relationship. Without these ground rules in place, both leaders will get frustrated and it will cause lots of friction in the relationship. Sometimes we teach visionary integrator duos to have a safe word you agree on before things get tense. That safe word needs to trigger visionaries into a state of listening and understanding. Visionaries need to understand and accept their integrator is trying to hold them accountable for the greater good of the organization. This is especially important because visionaries don't have rocks yet. We still want to harness the visionary's power to support the rest of the team. If you're having trouble with this one integrators, please watch our video on maintaining mutual respect for some things to consider. You'll find it linked in the description below. And also in instances where a company has someone else beyond the visionary in the owner's box or they report to a board that provides another point of accountability for the visionary. Finally, an integrator can always leave a visionary who refuses to uphold their end of the agreement to be held accountable. So visionaries, keep that in mind as you consider what's really most important to you. So to recap 1. The integrator is responsible for holding the visionary accountable. 2. Visionaries actually need structure and accountability. Number three, visionaries who choose not to play by these rules. Remember, integrators have options, including leaving you for another visionary that will.
