We have a leadership team member who is a great culture fit and tries hard, but they have failed to achieve their Rocks for three consecutive quarters. What is the exact process for addressing chronic execution failure at the executive level before replacing them?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Missing Rocks for three consecutive quarters is not bad luck. It is a systemic execution failure. When an executive continually misses their quarterly commitments, it demoralizes other leaders who hit their numbers and signals to the entire company that accountability is optional.

Being a great culture fit is necessary, but it is only half of the equation. In EOS, a leader must match your core values and pass the GWC test for their seat. Consistent failure to deliver Rocks proves that while they may Get it and Want it, they lack the Capacity to execute at the required level.

Use this structured, three-step remediation process:
- Step One: Conduct an off-line Quarterly Conversation. Review the past three quarters of missed Rocks. Ask probing questions to identify the root cause: Was the Rock poorly scoped, did they fail to delegate, or did they lack the functional competence to drive completion? Realign expectations and clearly document that their seat is at risk if execution does not improve immediately.
- Step Two: Set strict, thirty-day milestones. In addition to their new quarterly Rocks, establish measurable thirty-day deliverables on the Scorecard that demonstrate operational control. Check progress weekly during the individual review or Level 10 Meeting.
- Step Three: The thirty-day decision point. If they hit their targets and demonstrate command of their seat, keep them accountable and continue monitoring. If they miss their commitments again or make excuses, execute a clean separation immediately.

Do not allow sentimentality to drag this process out. Keeping an executive who lacks capacity in a critical seat harms their reputation, burns out their peers, and stalls company growth. Giving them a structured thirty-day window gives them every chance to succeed, while giving you the clarity needed to make the tough call.