If you’re running a business and feel like you’re constantly putting out fires or struggling to move forward, Traction by Gino Wickman might be your solution. It’s not a book filled with abstract theory—Traction is all about practical, actionable steps that you can implement right now to take control of your business and achieve your vision.
The heart of Traction lies in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a system Wickman developed from years of working with businesses to help them grow in an organized, sustainable way. EOS isn’t some fluffy set of ideas—it’s a proven framework that simplifies your operations, aligns your team, and gives you the tools you need to run your business like a well-oiled machine.
So, if you’ve read the book and need a refresher, or if you’re looking to understand how to get more out of it quickly, keep reading. Here’s a breakdown of the main concepts in Traction and how they can help you lead your business more effectively.
The Six Key Components of EOS
Wickman believes that businesses succeed when they focus on six key components. These are the building blocks of EOS and the main areas you must work on to bring order and structure to your organization. Let’s break them down:
1. Vision
The first step in gaining traction is ensuring all in your business are aligned with the same vision. If you don’t have a clear idea of where you’re going, you won’t take the right steps to get there.
Wickman recommends defining your vision so that everyone on your team understands and can work towards it. This includes clarifying your company’s core values, defining your target market, and setting a long-term goal for where you want your business to go. Once you’ve outlined your vision, the next step is to communicate it regularly to your team, ensuring they’re all rowing in the same direction.
2. People
The second key component is having the right people on your team. You can have the best vision and strategy in the world, but without the right people, you won’t succeed. According to Wickman, you need to have individuals in the right roles—people who fit your company culture and can do the work that’s required to move the business forward.
Wickman offers a simple tool to help you discover if someone is in the right seat: it’s called the People Analyzer. This tool enables you to evaluate whether each team member lives up to your core values and whether they’re excelling in their role. If someone doesn’t fit both criteria, it may be time for a tough conversation about whether they continue in your team.
3. Data
The third component is Data— using numbers to keep track of your business’s health. To make decisions, you need to know where you stand. Traction introduces the idea of a Scorecard, a simple set of key numbers that gives you a quick pulse on the health of your business. These numbers can include sales figures, customer satisfaction scores, or operational metrics—anything that tells you whether you’re on track to meet your goals.
Having a Scorecard makes it easy to monitor performance and spot potential issues early. The goal is to keep it simple—don’t drown in data. Focus on the handful of numbers that truly matter for your business.
4. Issues
Every business faces challenges, and Traction stresses the importance of creating an environment where problems can be identified and solved quickly. That’s where the Issues Solving Track comes in. This allows your team to identify problems, prioritize them, and then solve them in a structured way.
Wickman argues that issues aren’t solved by talking around them or hoping they go away. You need a process to address problems head-on. The Issues Solving Track provides an opportunity to brainstorm solutions, decide on the best course of action, and hold people accountable for execution.
5. Process
The fifth component, Process, is about streamlining your operations and ensuring your business runs efficiently. If you want to scale, you can’t rely on people remembering how to do things or improvising. You need well-documented processes that everyone follows consistently.
Wickman encourages business owners to identify and document the core processes that drive their business. These could be sales processes, customer service processes, or anything else central to delivering value to your customers. Once you’ve documented them, ensure everyone knows about them and consistently follows them. This step helps you eliminate chaos, improve efficiency, and maintain quality as you grow.
6. Traction
Finally, Traction is all about execution. Even the best vision and processes are meaningless if you don’t follow through and get results. Traction emphasizes setting clear goals, measuring progress, and holding your team accountable.
One of the most powerful tools in this component is the Rocks system. Rocks are the most important goals or priorities you need to accomplish in the next 90 days. Instead of having a long list of goals that you can never complete, focus on a few key priorities that will drive the most significant impact in the short term. Rocks help your team stay focused and ensure that you’re making meaningful progress.
How to Implement EOS
Now that we’ve broken down the six components, how do you implement EOS in your business? Wickman stresses that the system requires discipline and focus. It’s not a quick fix; it’s a long-term strategy for building a more robust business.
Here are some tips for implementing EOS:
1. Get Buy-in from Your Team: Successful implementation requires that everyone on your leadership team is on board with the process. If you don’t commit the key players in your organization, EOS won’t be effective.
2. Hold Regular Meetings: EOS emphasizes the importance of regular, structured meetings to keep everyone aligned. These include weekly meetings to check on your Scorecard and Rocks, quarterly meetings to review progress, and annual meetings to reflect on long-term goals.
3. Use the EOS Tools: There are several tools that Wickman introduces throughout the book—like the Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO), the People Analyzer, and the Issues Solving Track—that are designed to help you stay organized and focused. Make sure you’re using these tools consistently.
4. Hire an EOS Implementer: While it’s possible to implement EOS on your own, many businesses benefit from hiring an EOS Implementer—someone experienced in guiding organizations through the process. An Implementer can provide the structure and guidance you need to stay on track.
Final Thoughts
Traction isn’t just a book—it’s a roadmap for taking control of your business and making real progress. The tools and strategies in the Entrepreneurial Operating System help companies simplify their operations, align their teams, and execute their plans. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Traction can help you break free from the chaos and create a clear path forward.
But remember, it takes time and effort. EOS isn’t a quick fix—it’s a system that requires consistent attention and discipline. If you’re ready to commit to making your business more structured, accountable, and aligned, Traction is a powerful guide helping you achieve your vision and get results.
