In my work as an EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System™) Implementer, I frequently hear stories about the impact that occurs when clients resolve a RPRS (Right Person Right Seat) issue.  Just this morning, a CEO reflected on the recent resolution of a long standing RPRS issue by saying, “I’d never have anticipated the change would have such a profound impact on my team.” 

I’ve probably heard similar stories a dozen times in just the last two quarters, which has deeply impressed me with the power of resolving people issues. 

“Why did we wait so long?” 

“Hiring ‘Fred’ into the Integrator seat is giving me my life back.” 

“The entire team has been elevated by making the move with ‘Fred.’”

Strengthening the People component of an organization almost always involves difficult conversations.  As a CEO, I wasn’t great at difficult conversations and it kept me from being my best as a leader. 

Simon Sinek, one of my favorite business authors, recently published the article “An Optimist’s View Going into 2021.”  2020 was rough for many and the effects will continue well into 2021, but Sinek’s five very actionable suggestions are right on the money to set a positive direction. 

One of his suggestions is to “have difficult conversations,” which really resonated with me because of the impact that I’ve seen in my clients’ businesses.  Sometimes people think that the “hard” parts of business, like finance, inventory, equipment, or technology, are most important to the business’ success and the “soft” stuff – people, culture, and values – are less important or worthy of attention. 

I posit that the “soft” stuff is absolutely essential and deserving of great focus and attention, even though it can be difficult; hence, “the soft stuff is the hard stuff.”  Getting the right people in the right seats is not always easy and it often requires a difficult conversation, but it’s absolutely worth it.  The investment pays back every single day!               

Click here to review all five of Simon’s suggestions in the whole article (5-minute read). 

Click here for more on EOS.