In the business world, a special kind of magic happens when you have the right person in the right seat. This concept, central to the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®), is a game-changer for organizations striving for excellence. Gino Wickman, the creator of EOS®, and Jim Collins, renowned business consultant and author, emphasize the transformative power of aligning people with roles that match their strengths and passions.
The Right Person in the Right Seat: A Core EOS® Principle
In his seminal book Traction, Gino Wickman introduces the idea that the right person in the right seat means having employees who not only fit the company culture but are also ideally suited for their specific roles. This alignment is not just about having the skills; it’s about having the right attitude, values, and passion for the job. Wickman stresses that businesses thrive when they carefully assess and place individuals where they can excel and contribute most effectively.
In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins reinforces this idea by emphasizing the importance of “first who, then what.” Collins argues that getting the right people on the bus and in the right seats is crucial before figuring out where to drive it. He highlights that great companies prioritize this alignment because it leads to sustained success and minimizes the need for micromanagement.
The Ease and Relief of Proper Alignment
When the right person is in the right seat, there’s a palpable sense of ease and relief. Leaders no longer need to micromanage or constantly oversee tasks because they trust their team members to deliver. This trust is built on the confidence that each person is well-suited for their role and will perform competently and enthusiastically.
Imagine a business owner who no longer needs to spend countless hours correcting mistakes, redoing work, or managing conflicts. Instead, they can focus on strategic initiatives, innovation, and growth. This shift allows leaders to spend more time on high-value activities that drive the company forward.
Building a Strong Team
Achieving this alignment requires a thoughtful approach to hiring and team development. It starts with hiring people who match your company’s core values. When employees resonate with these values, they are more likely to thrive and contribute positively to the company culture.
Having those people in the right seats means ensuring that they get it, want it, and have the capacity to do the job. “Get it” refers to understanding the role and its requirements. “Want it” means having the passion and drive to perform the job well. “Capacity” involves having the skills, time, and mental ability to do the job effectively. When all three elements align, employees are more engaged and productive, reducing the need for tight management and oversight.
Real-World Impact
Consider a scenario where a company hires a new operations manager. Before the hire, the owner was bogged down with day-to-day operational issues, leaving little time for strategic planning. The right person was brought on board by focusing on hiring someone who matched the company’s core values and ensuring they got it, wanted it, and had the capacity for the role. This new manager handled the tasks efficiently and brought fresh ideas for improving processes. The owner felt a sense of relief and newfound freedom to focus on scaling the business.
Conclusion
Having the right person in the right seat is not just a nice thing; it’s a fundamental component of a thriving business. As Gino Wickman and Jim Collins have shown, this alignment leads to reduced stress for leaders, enhanced team performance, and overall organizational success. When leaders invest in aligning their team members with their roles, they create a workplace where everyone can thrive and the business can reach new heights. It feels almost too easy when the right people are in the right seats.
If your business lacks any of these components, please get in touch. Together, we can ensure that you have the right people in the right seats and drive your business toward success.
By implementing the principles of EOS® and focusing on getting the right people in the right seats, businesses can achieve a level of efficiency and harmony that propels them toward greatness. The ease and relief from proper alignment benefit the leaders and the entire organization.
Author Bio
Jim Bras is a Certified EOS Implementer® in Laguna Hills, CA. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs transform their businesses with the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®). With over two decades of experience building and leading successful companies, Jim understands business owners’ challenges in striving for efficiency, employee satisfaction, and profitability. He is committed to empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth and improve their leaders’ and employees’ quality of life. His approach is grounded in the EOS® core values: Humbly Confident, Grow or Die, Help First, Do the Right Thing, and Do what You Say.
In addition to his EOS® practice, Jim is a Kolbe Corp and Working Genius Certified consultant. He offers a comprehensive suite of team building, hiring, and process optimization tools. His approachable and knowledgeable style makes him a trusted partner for entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level.
You can learn more at EOS® Worldwide or on LinkedIn.
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