The second component of the EOS system following the Vision component (see our previous post), is the People component. In his book Traction, Gino Wickman emphasizes that in order to break through the ceiling, you must make sure you have the right people structure in place to get you to the next level. When creating a structure to function efficiently, you must take the long view and ensure that you have the right people in the right seats.
The Right People
Core Values + People Analyzer = Right People
He defines the right people as the ones who share your company’s core values (see our previous post). They fit and thrive in your culture, are people you enjoy being around and make your organization a better place to be. To help organizations determine if they have the right people, he introduces The People Analyzer - another valuable EOS tool. If you uncover that you don’t have the right people, the book provides excellent guidance and processes on what steps to take.
The Right Seats
Unique Ability® + Accountability Chart = Right Seats
When your employees are operating within their greatest skill and passion in your organization, and their roles and responsibilities fit within their Unique Ability®, they are in the right seats. One of the obstacles organizations often encounter with gaining traction and achieving their vision, Wickman states, is that roles, responsibilities, expectations and job descriptions are unclear due to structural issues. He then presents the ultimate tool for structuring your organization the right way - The Accountability Chart.
Visionaries and Integrators
Wickman claims one of his greatest discoveries in using the Accountability Chart is the concept of visionaries and integrators - two very different roles. Most companies are founded by visionaries – creative problem solvers who set the product vision, drive the culture in a company, and have fantastic relationships with clients, employees, partners, vendors and suppliers. Integrators, on the other hand, love running the day-to-day aspects of a business, are accountable for profit and loss and the overall business plan, and thrive on leading, managing and holding people accountable. He states that it is common for a company to have a visionary but no integrator, or a founder who takes on the role of both, which usually causes struggles and results in a lack of traction. Alternatively, when visionaries are able to let go of the vine and structure their organization with an integrator role, the company often experiences “a magical dynamic”, resulting in significant growth.
The Traction book outlines detailed processes and steps for using the people analyzer and the accountability chart, as well as how to manage the 2 issues most organization face regarding people: having the right person in the wrong seat and having the wrong person in the right seat (get a free copy of the book here).
In summarizing the importance of the People Component to successfully execute the Vision Component, he closes with “We know what great leaders mean when they attribute their success to surrounding themselves with good people. It's putting the right people in in the right seats."
(NOTE: Unique Ability® is a concept referenced in the Traction book that was created by Dan Sullivan and is a registered trademark of The Strategic Coach.)
Get the Book
You can learn more about how to make sure your organization has the right people in the right seats, and using the EOS system to make change and grow your company in the book Traction.
In the spirit of helping Behavioral Health organizations navigate the challenges of running a successful business, we’re offering an EOS Starter Kit that includes a copy of the book Traction. If you haven’t taken us up on this offer yet, we highly encourage you to get the book now while supplies last.
Why are we sharing EOS and offering a free copy of Traction? Avea specializes in revenue cycle software for behavioral health facilities - and it’s our passion to help treatment centers thrive, especially as the need for quality care continues to be vital. Across our clients, we continually recognize that those who prioritize operational efficiency are able to achieve growth and business success, despite ongoing reimbursement challenges. We are committed to sharing knowledge of tools and systems that positively impact operations and growth, and EOS is one of those.
