One of our key leadership team members has missed their primary Scorecard target for six consecutive weeks, but they are a great culture fit and work incredibly hard. How long do we let a critical metric stay red before we determine they lack GWC for the seat?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

In the EOS framework, we use the GWC tool to evaluate if someone gets, wants, and has the capacity to do their job. When a critical Scorecard metric is red for six consecutive weeks, the capacity portion of that equation is in question. Hard work and a great culture fit are essential, but they cannot buy back lost performance.

You cannot let a critical metric stay red indefinitely. The general rule of thumb is that if a metric is red for three consecutive weeks, it must be dropped to the issues list and solved in your Level 10 Meeting. The leadership team must help the owner identify the root cause of the underperformance.

If it is an external factor, adjust the system. If it is a capacity issue, the owner has three additional weeks to correct it with a clear action plan. If the metric remains red after six weeks of active coaching and problem-solving, you have your answer.

The individual does not have the capacity to deliver the outcomes required for that seat. At this point, keeping them in the role is unfair to the business and to the individual. You must make the hard, unsentimental decision to either move them to a seat that fits their natural capabilities or transition them out of the organization.