How to work with Tier 1 Leaders
Our 4 step model to start
- 1
Biggest Business Problem
What's the biggest thing going on now.
- Aim big, break into smaller bites.
- Make the first bite easy.
“Set them up for success by solving a problem that actually matters.
The test: At my next board meeting, will they care about the progress of this exact problem?
- 2
Pick a Quarterback
1 Executive per problem. Let them quarterback it.
- Aim for clarity, not noise.
- Pick 1 person that's done this before; not a handful of advisors and “group ownership”.
“Use advisors for arm-chair advice. Deploy a Tier 1 Exec when you need it actually done.
- 3
Build a Gameplan
The Exec is responsible for the gameplan.
- You define success. Tell them the biggest failures to avoid.
- Give them historical background; don't tell people you brought in as Tier 1 experts how to do what they're best at.
“You define success, then trust them with full discretion — as long as they stay between “the goalposts”. Anything outside of that, they pause and escalate.
- 4
Rules of Engagement
Agree these up front, then get out of the way.
- What you need to see to green-light-go.
- Executive update cadence.
- Where the full details will exist, always accessible.
Founder- Announce what you’re doing, why, and the Exec in charge.
- Concerns and questions go to the Exec — never to you.
- Give 100% support, or your org won’t either.
Exec- Full discretion to run the Gameplan, inside the Rules of Engagement.
- Outside the Goalposts? Bring in the Founder immediately.
- Review and decide together, then keep running.
