Chapter 4 of Traction, "The People Component," is all about one essential truth in business: You can't do it alone. To build a successful company, you need to surround yourself with great people-the kind who not only fit your culture but also excel in their roles. Gino Wickman says it best: "It's all about having the right people in the right seats." If you nail the People Component, your business will run smoother, grow faster, and feel less stressful.
So, what does it mean to have the right people in the right seats? Let's break it down:
Here's the idea:When you're hanging from a vine (think jungle adventure movie), it feels terrifying to let go because you're afraid of what might happen. But to reach the next vine and make progress, you have to let go. In business, this means loosening your grip, trusting the EOS process, and allowing your team to take ownership.
1. Right People (Culture Fit):
These are the folks who align with your company's core values. They're the ones who "get" your mission and fit seamlessly into your culture. If someone is talented but doesn't share your values, they'll create friction.
2. Right Seats (Role Fit):
Once you've got the right people, they need to be in the right roles. Everyone should be doing a job that fits their strengths and capabilities. The goal is to make sure that each person is positioned to succeed and drive the company forward.
The People Analyzer Tool:
Wickman gives us a handy tool to evaluate this: the People Analyzer. You can use it to measure each person against your core values and ensure they "GWC" their role, which stands for:
- Get it: Do they understand their role and its importance?
- Want it: Do they actually want to do the job, or are they just punching the clock?
- Capacity to do it: Do they have the skills, experience, and time to perform well?
If someone meets these criteria and fits your core values, they're in the right seat. If not, it's time to make some changes.
The Accountability Chart:
Instead of a traditional org chart, EOS uses something called the Accountability Chart. This chart doesn't just show who reports to whom, it defines clear responsibilities for each role. Every seat should have someone accountable for it, so there's no confusion about who's doing what.
A key role in this chart is the Integrator (often the COO), who makes sure day-to-day operations run smoothly and holds everyone accountable. The Visionary (typically the CEO) is the big-picture thinker, focused on strategy, innovation, and growth. It's critical to have both roles clearly defined, as they keep the business balanced between dreaming and doing.
Real-World Scenario:
Let's say you run a small but growing digital marketing agency. Business is good, but your team is overworked, and you're feeling frustrated because things aren't running smoothly. Your graphic designer is great at creating social media content but struggles with high-level brand design. Meanwhile, your account manager-while a great salesperson-has a tough time keeping track of client deliverables, leading to missed deadlines.
In this scenario, you're missing both culture fit and role fit. Your graphic designer is in the wrong seat, doing work that doesn't match their strengths, and your account manager doesn't "Get it" when it comes to organization. As a result, your business is disorganized, and you're constantly putting out fires.
Now imagine you've reorganized your team. You've hired a new brand designer who not only gets the job but loves it, and your graphic designer is focused on content creation, where they thrive. You've brought in a detail-oriented project manager who can keep client work on track, while your account manager focuses on what they do best: selling. Suddenly, everything clicks. Deadlines are hit, clients are happy, and you've got more time to focus on growing the business instead of fixing problems.
Why the People Component Matters:
Here's the deal: You can have the clearest vision and the best processes in place, but if you don't have the right people in the right roles, your business will hit a ceiling. The People Component is about building a team that's aligned with your values and positioned to succeed.
When everyone is in the right seat, they're happier, more productive, and more engaged. This means less stress for you and a more efficiently run company. You don't have to constantly check in or fix things because people are accountable and love what they do.
Connecting with the Premise:
Think of your business like a sports team. You wouldn't put your best quarterback in a linebacker position just because he's athletic. You need people playing to their strengths. The right people in the right seats create a winning team. If someone isn't aligned with your culture or struggling in their role, it drags the whole team down.
By focusing on the People Component, you're setting up your business for long-term success. The right people, with the right skills and values, will help you grow the business you've always dreamed of-without you having to do it all yourself.
So, look around. Do you have the right people on your team? Are they in the right seats? If not, it's time to make some changes, and the results will be game-changing. Your business will hum along, and you'll feel a whole lot lighter when you're surrounded by a team that "gets it" and loves what they do!
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