Follow the Wisdom of Your 3rd Grade Teacher

Running an entrepreneurial company is often of whirlwind of activity. Each day offers its multitude of challenges and opportunities. Where to focus? What’s most important? Who will not show up for work today? Who will be snatched by the competition?  

As leader, it’s hard enough to stay focused.  Imagine what it’s like for your staff? Are they hyper-alert to your mood swings as they search for clues to the firm’s welfare? Do they understand the value you create for your customers and focus their attention on delivering that? Or, if asked, would they clearly state your firm’s current goals and priorities? If you’re the adventuresome type, I dare you to go and ask them. You may be amazed at what you discover.



A study by author and consultant William Schiemann revealed that only 14% of employees understand and execute their firm’s strategy.  That’s disheartening, isn’t it?   For goodness sake, what are the priorities of the other 86%?   Getting those folks “on board” could  release  immense value.  But how do you do that?

If you promise not to roll your eyes, I’ll share with you a very simple prescription. I call it  “3^rd Grader Rule.” They are the same guidelines used by seasoned teachers to create order and learning in the chaotic world of  3^rd grade.

There’s only three rules:

1. Who’s in charge?  
2. What are the rules?  
3. How do I win?

Simple aren’t they?  Once communicated to students, the teacher has established the ground rules for success…and the belief that every student can be a winner. That’s exactly what we do when helping our clients implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into their companies.  We help them get real clear on accountability, strategy and success so that everyone is rowing in the same direction. And, when communicated throughout the organization, an EOS firm has 100% of employees, not 14%, on the same page, rowing in the same direction and working together for their mutual success. It is a joy to behold, indeed.  So, listen to your third grade teacher, she was right all along!