Traction

This Book Is for You If…

✔ You know your business could be stronger, but you’re not sure what’s missing.

✔ You’re scaling a company and want clear, proven systems to guide growth.

✔ You want the ability to step back without everything falling apart.

This book uncovered blind spots I couldn’t see—and gave me the system to fix them.

The Structure My Business Was Missing

Book Review & Reflection by Lindsay Smith, LCSW

Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business

By Gino Wickman

Mood of the Book:

Tactical, focused, and eye-opening

5 Gems to Fuel Growth…

Clear, shared vision = better decisions and stronger execution

The shift I needed: A clearly defined vision, shared with the full team, unlocks alignment, clarity, and momentum.

This was one of my biggest leadership blind spots. I had strong values, big ideas, and a general sense of where we were heading, but until this book and learning about the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), I hadn’t clarified or shared a clear vision with my team.

When we began implementing EOS, right as I was preparing to sell my business, I saw the impact immediately. It helped us define our 10-year target, 3-year picture, and 1-year plan—like someone finally handed us a compass.

But the biggest shift came when we shared that vision with the entire team. Suddenly, everyone understood where we were going and how their role contributed. We made better decisions, moved faster, and worked with shared purpose. I only wish I’d done it sooner—it would have saved time, energy, and so much second-guessing.

Have the right people in the right seats

The shift I needed: It’s not enough to like someone—they must align with our values and thrive in their role.

I used to keep people on the team simply because I liked them. Even when it was clear they weren’t in the right role, or no longer aligned with our values, I hesitated.

But this book helped me understand just how much that was costing us. When someone isn’t a fit, either in their role or within the company, it quietly impacts the entire team: performance, trust, and culture all take a hit. I realized that keeping someone out of loyalty was actually harming the very team I wanted to protect.

The GWC tool—Get it, Want it, Capacity to do it—was a game-changer. It helped us see clearly: Does this person truly understand the role? Do they actually want it? Do they have the time, energy, and ability to succeed? They must have all 3 to remain in that seat!

Being a kind leader doesn’t mean avoiding hard choices. It means doing what’s best for everyone involved—even when it’s hard.

Numbers tell the truth before we feel the pain

The shift I needed: Weekly metrics create clarity, accountability, and early problem detection.

For years, I got monthly reports—and that worked, until it didn’t. By the time issues showed up in the numbers, we were already weeks behind and in reactive mode.

When we started using the EOS Scorecard and tracking key metrics weekly, everything changed. We could spot issues, trace the cause, and act fast— before small cracks turned into avalanches.

Numbers aren’t pressure—they’re perspective. EOS teaches that each team member is responsible for a specific metric, which creates natural accountability. This allows them to self-correct and stay focused on what matters most. And as a leader, I didn’t need to guess or chase anymore. I could see what mattered, when it mattered.

Do less to achieve more

The shift I needed: When I narrowed my focus, I made faster, more meaningful progress.

I used to juggle way too many priorities. As a founder, there’s always something urgent pulling at you—but trying to do it all is exhausting.

When we embraced EOS’s “Rocks” concept and narrowed our focus to just a few top priorities each quarter, everything changed. Instead of inching ten things forward, we moved three to five across the finish line.

This shift gave our team focus, energy, and real momentum. It helped our work feel more purposeful and less chaotic.

Systems make success repeatable

The shift I needed: Clear, documented processes create consistency, clarity, and dependability.

Of all the EOS tools, this is the one I’ve been doing longest, and it has made a huge difference in my business.

From the time I first began hiring team members, I focused on building clear, documented systems for every part of the business: onboarding, scheduling, client care, billing, communication. These systems allowed us to scale with ease, train quickly, and deliver consistent, high-quality care—without the confusion that slows teams down.

Systems don’t kill creativity—they protect your energy. They give your team a steady foundation, freeing you to focus on vision, growth, and innovation.

My 3 Core Ratings (1-5)

This book was energizing and captivating. It sparked so many ideas and gave me a new level of clarity. While it wasn’t joyful in the heartwarming sense, it was deeply satisfying to see how the pieces of leadership and structure could finally click into place. I felt excited and empowered to integrate what I was learning.

Even though I only had a few months to implement EOS before selling my company, the changes I experienced were huge. I learned how to clarify vision, track what really matters, and lead with more intention and alignment. This book reshaped how I think about building and leading an organization. I’ll absolutely apply these insights in the businesses I’m part of moving forward.

EOS is incredibly practical, but it's also a lot of work to implement. The tools are powerful, but applying them requires discipline, commitment, and buy-in from your team. The good news? You don’t have to do it all at once. It’s designed to be rolled out step by step, and each phase brings immediate value.

Mic Drop Moment:

“If everything is important, nothing is.”
– Gino Wickman

Notes, Nudges & Nuggets:

✔ EOS isn’t just for fixing broken businesses—it makes good businesses great.

✔ Implementation takes commitment, but each tool adds value immediately.

✔ Rocks create clarity, focus, and real traction.

✔ Vision alignment turns confusion into momentum.

✔ Systems protect your creativity and multiply your impact.

If you’re thinking about picking up this book – or doing any Amazon shopping – clicking through my link helps support future reviews at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

Final Reflection:

There’s something so powerful about having a shared language, clear goals, and a system to bring it all together. EOS gave me that—and even in just a few months, the impact was undeniable.

__________________________________________________________

What might be possible for your business if everything (and everyone) moved forward in aligned purpose—week by week, quarter by quarter, goal by goal?

Want to keep discovering books that have the power to change how we live, lead, and love?

If you'd like to keep growing alongside me, sign up to get thoughtful personal and business development book reviews delivered straight to your inbox.

Inspired by something here?

I’d love to hear how it connected with your journey - feel free to drop me a note.