Gapology

Abstract

Gapology is the term we coined to describe what Winning Leaders do differently to identify and close Performance Gaps within their teams. It all started with a curiosity. Mark Thienes was curious about what makes Winning Leaders win, what was missing from those underperforming, and whether success was a formal process that could be taught, replicated, and scaled.
* For over a decade, he studied the behaviors, habits, and strategies of leaders who consistently produced winning results, comparing them to those who struggled. The answers came through in clear patterns. As he documented interviews and observations, he discovered that all Performance Gaps fall into one of three core categories: Knowledge Gaps, Importance Gaps, or Action Gaps... or some combination of the three. That insight became our foundation.
* Gapology provides nine Root Solutions that empower leaders to close these gaps—quickly and permanently--by applying intentional, repeatable methods. It's a framework for those who want to lead with purpose and produce consistent, winning results.
* In this newly revised edition, we’ve expanded our guidance with fresh insights, real-world applications, and new tools gathered from the last 15 years of teaching Gapology to leaders around the world. Our organizational purpose is: "Helping Leaders Achieve Their Greatest Potential." This new edition brings us closer than ever to doing just that.
* Gapology is for all leaders—regardless of team size, title, or industry. If you're responsible for leading people, you need Gapology. These discoveries are now at your fingertips. Achieve your full and greatest potential. Identify the gaps....Close the gaps... and become a Winning Leader!
Welcome to Gapology.

In Gapology, you'll discover simple yet powerful leadership principles that Winning Leaders use to identify and close Performance Gaps--in their teams and in themselves. Through the journey of Maddy, a leader much like you, you’ll learn how to recognize where gaps originate and then how to apply a set of Root Solutions to close them for good. Her story will help you see the challenges and breakthroughs in real time-making the lessons practical, personal, and impactful as you lead your team forward. After studying hundreds of high-performing leaders, we uncovered consistent behaviors that separate the average from the exceptional. These patterns are revealed in a clear, actionable framework that brings the Gapology methodology to life through relatable stories, proven strategies, and leadership tools that can be implemented immediately. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, Gapology will forever shift your leadership mindset. Once you begin your Gapology journey, you’ll start seeing the world through the lens of a Winning Leader... through the eyes of a Gapologist.

REVIEWS and WORDS OF PRAISE

Regardless of industry, market, or company size, this framework works.
--From the Foreword by Tiffany High, Founder & CEO, Results Driven and Heels Homes

In my opinion, there is no other management tool out there that clearly defines not only how to determine why a gap may exist, but more importantly, how to fill the gap to get the desired results you are trying to obtain. I highly recommend reading and embracing Gapology. It will change the way you manage your business.
--Steve McKinley, CEO/Founder, Urban Value Corner Store

Goodness, I can’t believe it’s already been a year since the Gapology workshop! Our team members STILL talk about it to this day. Our teams gained so much from the experience. I truly appreciate how interactive and engaging the workshop was and how it brought the book to life. Working through a single Performance Gap and applying the Knowledge, Importance, and Action Gaps Root Solutions from the book was a game changer.
--Danielle Beazley, Associate Vice President, Best Buy

As a multi-unit leader focused on developing high-performing teams and fostering a cul- ture of accountability, IMBAR and Gapology have been game-changers. These books pro- vide clear, actionable frameworks that have helped me elevate team performance, coach with clarity, and close critical execution gaps.
--Marizol Cuevas-Maldonado, Regional Multi-Unit Mgr., Servant Leader, Team Developer

About the Author

Mark Thienes brings over forty years of leadership experience guiding teams to winning seasons across a wide range of industries. Known as "The Original Gapologist," His passion for unlocking human potential began with a simple yet powerful curiosity: Can winning behaviors be taught and replicated?
As a senior executive with a Fortune 500 background and a respected business consultant, Mark devoted himself to studying performance--specifically, the contrasting behaviors between top and bottom performers. That curiosity led to the creation of the Gapology Framework, a proven methodology that has helped tens of thousands of leaders identify and close Performance Gaps to drive measurable results. Since the release of Gapology in 2010, he and co-author Brian Brockhoff have continued their journey of discovery, co-writing the follow-up books IMBAR: The Pathway of Transformation and Speed of Purpose: Achieve 2.8x Productivity and Beyond.

Brian Brockhoff has spent more than thirty years leading, training, and mentoring business leaders across a variety of sectors. A master of leadership development and performance coaching, Brian has designed countless skill-building programs and written extensively on the subject of winning leadership.
Brian has also written the Gapology Inspirations book series and is the voice behind the leadership blog The Gapology Angle. Brian and Mark also co-host the leadership podcasts Gapology Radio and The Gapology Guys featured on YouTube. Together, Mark and Brian continue to shape the future of leadership by helping leaders achieve their greatest potential and become Gapologists, leaders who close gaps, deliver results, and win.