Today, I want to share my thoughts on a book that has made a huge difference in my life and work: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman. If you’re involved in any kind of business or organization, this book is a game-changer.

The Right People in the Right Seats

One of the most eye-opening concepts in Traction is having the right people in the right seats at the table. Wickman explains how crucial it is to match people’s skills and strengths with the roles they’re in. Sometimes we have amazing people, but they’re just not in the right roles to shine. And let’s be honest, we all know situations where there are seats that shouldn’t even exist (anyone else thinking about the government here besides me?).

But it’s not just about people. Wickman’s ideas also help us look at our processes and workflows. By examining each “seat” or role in a specific process within an organization, we can find and fix inefficiencies. This approach can be a real eye-opener, especially in bigger organizations where things tend to get bogged down with unnecessary roles and processes. Change is hard and there is a tendency to do things “because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Applying the “seat” concept, we can more clearly see what is beneficial and what is not.

I read Traction a few years ago, and since then, I’ve applied many of its principles with great success. Understanding who should be in each role and why has made a world of difference. Applying to various work processes has also helped me streamline operations and boost productivity, which is always a win.

If you’re involved in any type of business, you need to check out Traction. Wickman’s advice is straightforward, practical, and easy to implement. It’s not just theory – it’s actionable steps that can help you get a grip on your business and drive real results. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an executive, a manager, or just someone looking to improve how your organization runs, this book offers invaluable insights. The idea of getting the right people in the right seats and evaluating processes independently of people is transformative.