Maintaining team health is paramount when running a business on EOS®. One of the most critical aspects of creating a functional, healthy team dynamic is establishing firm boundaries—especially as the leadership team’s EOS coach or facilitator.
From the first moment, an EOS Implementer® working with a leadership team should set clear boundaries for communication and engagement. Setting the ground rules fosters transparency and direct communication among leadership team members while also protecting the Implementer’s time and sanity.
Why Boundaries Matter
Many leaders struggle to provide clear, direct communication, which EOS Implementers model and are trained to help clients overcome. From the start, I inform the leadership team in the 90 Minute Meeting that I’ll only accept calls from the Integrator (and the Visionary if they’re the owner) outside of the session.
Yet sometimes, I’ll still have leadership team members attempt to bypass the chain of command (aka end run).
The Questions and Concerns Call
They’ll reach out to their EOS Implementer directly or triangulate problems instead of addressing them openly. For example, a client may call me outside of scheduled sessions, asking for “five minutes” to share concerns or ask for advice about a team issue. This is detrimental to team health.
When this happens, I stop the leader in their tracks. I remind them we established these rules from the start to ensure no one gets blindsided by behind-the-scenes conversations. I insist that the Integrator needs to be on the call or approve their outreach before further discussion.
The goal here is that whatever they’re trying to get out of me needs to happen in session or during their Meeting Pulse as a leadership team. If other EOS Implementers aren’t doing this, they should be.
Attempts to Win Favor
If an EOS Implementer allows a leadership team member to drag them into the organization’s internal conflicts or gossip about other team members, it’s just bad news. This tattling mentality creates dependence on the EOS Implementer and leads to mistrust, resentment, and unnecessary drama.
We all know people who are used to getting their way in professional settings. Some will do whatever they think is necessary to advance their agendas, including trying to manipulate their EOS Implementer to get them on their side.
New flash: I’m not on anyone’s side.
Instead, I require that all team issue conversations happen within sessions or with the Integrator’s permission. This way, we maintain transparency and ensure everyone is on the same page. No one is operating with insider information or putting their thumb on the scale to tip in their favor.
This practice preserves the integrity of my role as a facilitator and coach and encourages team members to confront their challenges head-on, helping them grow and improve collaboration. Of course, if someone needs sales introductions or connections related to their roles, that’s not out of bounds. I’m happy to use my connections to help my clients.
Why Team Health Matters
Running on EOS doesn’t just mean defining visions, identifying Rocks, or achieving quarterly goals. Those are the Vision and Traction® parts. EOS is also about intentionally creating Healthy team cultures.
I prioritize a healthy team culture over everything else. If a team can’t function well together, all the grand visions and best-laid plans won’t matter. A team has to trust each other and engage in open and honest conversations while saving the joy of politicking for family holiday dinners.
Open and honest communication in the organization means all conversations remain respectful and professional. I tell leaders, “You can have spirited debates all you want, but fight above the belt.” If things get too heated or unproductive behavior starts, I’m not afraid to end a session early.
Conclusion
Every relationship needs healthy, clear boundaries. Like a parent who can’t be sweet-talked, I will stubbornly adhere to my boundaries until any shrewish behavior subsides. I know this is for the greater good of the organization and keeps me out of the fray.
YOUR PRIVACY CHOICES