Non-Negotiables to Show Up As Your Best Integrator Self
We all know the Integrator role comes with massive responsibility, creativity, independence, and expectations (which is why it’s such a unique + high-achieving role). That’s why it’s SO important for us to make sure we’re taking our own actions to continuously show up for our team - that includes our Visionary and everyone else on board. Your team is counting on your success and showing up every single day.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the course, it's important to change how you see yourself as an Integrator — your value is not determined by the number of tasks you complete, but rather by the distinctive expertise and leadership that you bring to the table. Your skills and ability to guide others are what truly sets you apart.
Now, let's dive into the 4 habits you need to practice daily to show up as your best Integrator self:
Only you can fill your own cup, truly (let’s take radical responsibility here)
Don't forget to take care of yourself so you're always ready to perform at your best. You need to be aware of your limits and take steps to recharge. That might mean having a solo night, ordering takeout for dinner, or getting a head start on your personal errands. Make a list of things you can do to recharge because you're the only one who can do that for yourself. Owning up on how you spend your time to recharge and making sure you have the energy you need to take charge, handle hard conversations, think big, and manage different projects and responsibilities will help you be your best Integrator self.
Become an absolute master of your time + schedule
We run our calendars, not the other way around. It's important to identify the times when you are the most productive. Time block or schedule your most critical and demanding tasks during these times to ensure that the most important work is completed efficiently and effectively.
Question every single meeting you have. Review every meeting you have. Check if they are necessary and if there are better ways to communicate instead. Establish a clear communication system with your team to protect not only your time but also your team's time (I talk more about setting boundaries with your team below).
BONUS: Recurring Meetings With Your Direct Reports: Frequency, Structure, and Strategy - join The Academy to access this!
Imposter Syndrome… Ever hear of her? I have + here are your tasks
Physically clock moments that prove to yourself you are the best at what you do. Every time something impressive happens with your work or you receive a compliment about your work/ skills/ leadership, clock it physically in the notes section of your phone. We are reprogramming how we think of ourselves. Think MICRO moments here. Your CEO thank you for making their calendar easier? Clock that moment. Did the company hit a rock goal? Clock that moment — you were massive in helping the team achieve that. We’re proving to ourselves that we’re in the right seat, doing what we’re meant to do.
Guard your space and set these boundaries
With Yourself: Respect your work-life balance and delegate tasks when necessary.
With Your CEO: Use clear communication and set expectations about timelines and urgency.
With Direct Reports: Establish different levels of communication to manage interruptions effectively. Set clear guidelines, such as:
If a matter requires non-urgent attention, the message should be sent via email.
If a matter requires urgent attention, the message should be sent via text or phone call.
Also, schedule do-not-disturb status, so your team knows that messages sent during those hours will be answered after that time.
BONUS: Your Sanity: Establishing Firm Levels of Communication In Business - join The Academy to access this!
These 4 focus areas are intensive *suggestions* to ensure you’re able to show up and really be your highest-performing self — which is what our teams depend on. I personally still have to remind myself of these, practice them, and hold myself accountable. This isn’t a “set it and it’s done” type of reminder. These are continuous areas we always need to be aware of. When we aren’t our best selves, the company doesn’t get the best 2nd-in-Command.
