Ever noticed how some teams crumble under pressure while others thrive?
It’s not luck. There’s real science behind it.
The Yerkes-Dodson curve shows that performance improves with pressure – but only up to a point.
Not enough pressure? People get complacent.
Too much? They burn out.
The sweet spot? That’s the Stretch Zone.
Enough challenge to spark energy & focus, but not so much that it overwhelms.
Now layer in what Profit Works & Stretch (Not Snap) both highlight – if you want consistent results, especially in tough economic times, you need to tie incentives to profit, not just activity, & apply the right level of pressure through structure.
Where Most Agencies Go Wrong
It’s well-intentioned but messy.
How EOS Helps Agencies Hit the Stretch Zone
EOS gives you structure. Not bureaucracy – clarity.
It’s not about removing pressure. It’s about applying it consistently in a way that drives the right behaviour – without driving people out.
This is exactly what Profit Works teaches: if you want incentives to work, you need clear profit-focused metrics, not fluffy goals or false urgency.
A Real-life Agency Example
I worked with a creative agency that had grown fast – but their systems hadn’t kept up.
The bonus structure was based on billable hours & revenue targets, but the work was often over-serviced. Profit margins were disappearing. Teams were firefighting.
We made some key changes:
The result?
They were stretched – but supported.
Challenged – but clear.
That’s what performance looks like in the Stretch Zone.
This was a creative agency, but the same principles apply to any service or product/manufacturing business.
Final Thought
Recession or not, your team doesn’t need more or less pressure.
They need the right kind, applied the right way.
💡That’s where EOS shines. It gives you the structure to hold people accountable, the tools to measure real progress, & the space to build a team that thrives sustainably.
If your agency is coasting or cracking – let’s fix it.
Want to explore how EOS helps creative teams stretch without snapping?
This section gives you quick access to 3 links - to articles, blogs, podcasts & stuff that will help you to create a better business & lead a better life.
Use positive tension to enhance your team’s performance.
Lead boldly by embracing the role of an EOS Visionary.
Boost longevity through fun, social, heart-healthy sports.
The marketing game is changing fast & I care deeply about helping business owners stay ahead of it.
That’s why I’ve personally booked our Business Action EOS session room in Melbourne next Wednesday morning (25 June) for something I truly believe in.
Jordan from Done By Nine is running a hands-on, practical workshop on AI-powered marketing – not just the hype, but what’s actually changing in how customers discover & choose businesses.
Why I’m backing this:
💡 It’s grounded in research, not guesswork
💡 It helps you avoid the AI-slop that’s flooding content marketing
💡 Jordan wants to learn from you too – how Aussie businesses are navigating the shift
As an EOS Implementer, I spend every day helping leadership teams get laser-focused on what works. This is one of those things.
🎟️ Jordan’s covering the ticket cost
📍 25 June, AM session, central Melbourne
☕️ Great content, great coffee, great people
Spots are limited – message me if you’d like to come.
After almost 2 years off, one of my favourite charity events is returning – Harold Goes to Golf!
I’ve been a proud trustee of Life Education Trust Auckland Central for 18 years now – & this fun day out is one of our biggest fundraisers.
📍 Titirangi Golf Club
🗓️ Friday, 21st November 2025
💡 Teams, solo players & sponsorships available
You don’t need to be a golfer to join – just come for the laughs, the food, the community spirit & the chance to support tamariki & rangatahi across Aotearoa.
👉 Keen to be part of it? Just reply to this email & I’ll pencil you in.
Let’s tee off for a great cause 💖
We are here to help you live a better life by creating a better business. We are real-life business owners with years of experience & a strong desire to make a huge difference to the lives of entrepreneurs.
If anything here resonates with you or you would like our help, then please get in contact. Just reply to this newsletter & let us know who you would like to speak to…. Or visit our webpage & contact any of our team from their own pages.
If you know someone who would benefit from reading this, then please forward it onto them. 💖
If you’d like to learn more about any of these tools or would like to find out how I can help you achieve a better life through creating a better business, then book a free Discovery Call with me.
We’ll talk about what you want to get from your business & your life & come up with a plan to do that!
Debra Chantry-Taylor
Certified EOS Implementer | Accredited Family Business Advisor | Entrepreneurial Leadership & Business Coach | Speaker & Workshop Facilitator
