Hermey the Misfit Elf: A Lesson in the EOS? People Analyzer

With Christmas just a day away and the holiday season continuing well into the New Year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of our favorite holiday stories and the lessons they offer—both in life and in business. One of my personal favorites is the beloved classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), which introduces us to Hermey the Elf—a character who doesn’t quite fit into the mold of Santa’s traditional toy-making team.

Hermey dreams of becoming a dentist, and while his story is heartwarming and filled with holiday cheer, it also offers a valuable lesson for leaders operating within the EOS? framework—particularly when it comes to applying the People Analyzer? tool.

Hermey and the People Analyzer?: A Case Study

For those using EOS?, the People Analyzer? is a powerful tool that helps evaluate team members based on your organization’s core values and their ability to GWC? their role: Get it, Want it, and have the Capacity to do it.

Let’s evaluate Hermey using Santa’s workshop as the organization:

• Core Values: Hermey is a kind, compassionate, and hardworking elf who aligns perfectly with Santa’s values of generosity, joy, and spreading holiday cheer. There’s no doubt that Hermey is a cultural fit. He genuinely cares about others and seeks to bring smiles to their faces—albeit in a different way than his peers.
• GWC?: Get It: Hermey struggles with understanding and excelling in his role as a toymaker. While he gives it an honest effort, he doesn’t naturally grasp the mechanics or purpose of toy-making. Want It: Hermey’s passion clearly lies elsewhere. He doesn’t want the role of a toymaker; instead, he dreams of helping people as a dentist. Capacity: Despite his admirable qualities, Hermey lacks the skills and interest needed to fulfill his role at Santa’s workshop effectively.

The Hermey Dilemma: How Many Do You Have?

Every organization has—or has had—a Hermey. These are team members who:

• Align beautifully with your core values.
• Bring a positive attitude and are genuinely wonderful people.
• However, they don’t Get, Want, or have the Capacity for their role.

Hermeys in your organization can pose a challenge. On one hand, you appreciate and value them for their cultural fit and contributions. On the other, their misalignment with their role can create inefficiencies, frustration (for both parties), and even hinder organizational growth.

What to Do When You Identify a Hermey

1. Celebrate the Fit: Start by acknowledging and appreciating their alignment with your core values. Hermey’s love for helping others made him a wonderful team member in many ways, even if he wasn’t suited for toy-making.
2. Revisit Their Unique Ability: Just as Hermey’s true calling was dentistry, your Hermey may have untapped potential or passions that better align with their abilities. Have a candid discussion about their strengths, interests, and where they might thrive—within or outside your organization.
3. Use the EOS? Clarity Break?: Take a step back and reflect. Is there a role within your organization that better fits this person’s GWC?? If so, transitioning them could be a win-win. If not, parting ways with grace and support might be the best path forward.
4. Lead with Empathy: Remember, being a Hermey isn’t a flaw. It’s an opportunity to help someone realign their talents with their passions, whether in your company or elsewhere.

The Gift of Letting Hermey Shine

In the end, Santa and his team celebrated Hermey’s differences and encouraged him to pursue his dream of being a dentist. By doing so, they not only honored his core values but also empowered him to reach his full potential. Hermey became the best version of himself—and likely created a thriving dental practice at the North Pole!

So this holiday season, take a moment to reflect: How many Hermeys are in your company? While their current role may not be a fit, their alignment with your core values makes them invaluable. Approach these situations with clarity, compassion, and creativity, and you’ll unlock the true potential of your team.

A Leadership Reflection for the New Year

Hermey reminds us that while core values are essential, GWC? is equally critical for organizational success. By identifying and addressing the Hermeys in your business, you create an opportunity to strengthen your team and allow individuals to find their rightful place to shine.

As leaders, our goal is to build a thriving team where every member contributes their best. Sometimes that means helping someone realize their dream—even if it leads them outside your workshop. After all, the spirit of the season is about helping others find joy and purpose, just like Hermey did.

But building this kind of clarity and alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentional leadership, thoughtful evaluation, and the courage to make sometimes difficult decisions.

As you reflect on your team this holiday season and into the New Year, ask yourself:

• Are there Hermeys in your organization who align with your core values but may not be in the right seat?
• Have you fully evaluated your Accountability Chart? to ensure every team member is set up for success?
• Are you creating space for honest conversations about team members’ strengths, passions, and unique contributions?

If these questions spark something in you—or if you’re feeling the weight of navigating these decisions alone—know that you don’t have to do it by yourself.

As a Fractional Integrator, I work alongside Visionary leaders to help evaluate teams, refine structures, and create alignment so every team member can contribute to their full potential. Together, we can ensure your organization not only survives challenges but thrives through them.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with peace, reflection, and gratitude—and a New Year overflowing with growth, clarity, and success. ???

About the Author Brenda Violette

Brenda Violette, Founder and CEO of Violette Business Services, LLC, is a seasoned expert in Integration and Business Development, dedicated to empowering small businesses to overcome their most significant challenges. Her premier service is as a Fractional Integrator for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System? (EOS?). Additionally, Brenda offers specialized Integrator Coaching and Mentoring for solo Integrators and Visionaries who have elevated an Integrator from within their organization, ensuring seamless transitions and alignment.?

With over 30 years of experience in operations, administration, and leadership, Brenda has a proven track record of empowering individuals and organizations to achieve sustainable growth. She is a graduate of EOS Rocket Fuel University?, a pioneer and long-time former member of the Integrator Mastery Forum?, and a certified Kolbe Consultant?. Brenda’s expertise lies in guiding Visionaries and leadership teams to execute their vision effectively and unlock their full potential.?

Brenda partners with businesses operating on the Entrepreneurial Operating System? (EOS?) to implement transformative processes that drive results, foster collaboration, and build robust leadership frameworks.?

Connect with Brenda at?www.BrendaViolette.com?to explore her services and learn how she can support your leadership journey.