By Donald Retreage, Jr. - CFO/COO/EOS® Integrator, Partner Florida CFO Group
You can have a solid strategy, an inspiring vision, and even robust financials, but if the wrong people are in the wrong roles, your organization won’t go far. As Jim Collins famously put it, “Great vision without great people is irrelevant.” But it’s not just about hiring “great people," it’s about putting them in the right seats.
As an EOS Worldwide (Entrepreneurial Operating System®) Integrator™ and CFO Partner at the Florida CFO Group, I’ve seen organizations stall, not because they lack talent, but because talent is misaligned. A top performer in one seat can struggle in another. That’s why seat alignment should be a leadership discipline.
Start with GWC
EOS offers a simple but powerful tool: GWC — Get it, Want it, and Capacity to do it. For each seat, ask:
- Do they get it? Do they naturally understand the responsibilities and how their role contributes to the bigger picture?
- Do they want it? Are they energized by the work and committed to owning it?
- Do they have the capacity? Do they have the skills, time, and resources to do the job well?
If the answer is “no” to any one of these questions, the seat (or the person in it) needs to be re-evaluated.
Data + Dialogue = Alignment
GWC is your compass, but data is your map. Supplement qualitative insights with objective metrics: KPIs, performance reviews, project outcomes, peer feedback. When a person is falling short, it’s not always a motivation issue, it could be a misalignment of role expectations.
When possible, coach and upskill. But don’t be afraid to shift responsibilities, restructure a seat, or—when necessary—recruit someone new. Just make sure you communicate with care and clarity.
Make Seat Reviews a Habit
This isn’t about reorgs for the sake of movement, it’s about strategic realignment. Conduct seat reviews quarterly. Use 1:1s and team meetings to discuss role clarity, challenges, and opportunities. When transitions happen, celebrate them. Make it part of your culture to find the best fit, not just for the business, but for the person.
The Result? A Bus That Moves
When every person is in the right seat, teams don’t just perform, they thrive. Communication improves. Accountability rises. Culture deepens. And the business gains the momentum to go farther, faster.
So ask yourself: Do we have the right people in the right seats? And if not—what’s stopping you from making the change?
About the Author
Donald Retreage, Jr. - CFO/COO/EOS® Integrator is a visionary finance executive and trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and boards, known for driving growth and turnarounds through strategic financial and operational leadership. A transformational servant leader, he builds and mentors cross-functional, cross-cultural teams that consistently exceed stakeholder expectations.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your organization’s finance and strategic management needs, please call the Florida CFO Group at 1-877-352-2367 or send us a message. We are here to help you navigate your financial challenges and achieve success!