Unleashing Business Discipline Without Killing Creativity with Chris Hallberg

In this episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, Lisa Ryan sits down with Chris Hallberg, a veteran entrepreneur, business coach, and the original "Business Sergeant." As one of Colorado's first EOS Implementers, Chris has helped more than a hundred companies transform chaotic teams into aligned, accountable, and energized organizations. Together, they unpack the secrets behind building a powerful culture and resilient performance—whether on the shop floor or in the boardroom.

What You’ll Learn:

- What EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is and how to use it as the “operating system for your business”

- How to identify when leadership, not the market, is your biggest roadblock

- The “Business Sergeant” approach—combining military discipline and team accountability with entrepreneurial creativity

- Tactical steps to boost engagement and select unicorn team members by design, not accident

- Why selection and intentional hiring are more important than trying to “fix” team members

- Building processes that reduce daily interruptions and make onboarding (and execution) seamless

- How to leverage AI as a low-risk, high-return way to enhance your team’s effectiveness

- Tips for doubling down on accountability—celebrating top performers and addressing underperformance head-on

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Clarify and Cascade Your Vision:

Create a simple, two-page business plan (like the Vision Traction Organizer) that answers: Who are we? Why do we exist? What makes us unique? Use it to align every employee or help them self-select out if they don’t fit.

2. Get the Right People in the Right Seats:

Focus your recruitment on people who *want* the job, *get* the job, and have the *capacity* to do the job. Use intentional selection processes (including pre-interview personality assessments) to build an all-in team.

3.Make Engagem ent Measurable:

Implement clear performance metrics and create an environment where great contributors are recognized—and those who aren’t, are held accountable.

4. Borrow Military-Level Discipline, Not Rigidity:

Foster personal responsibility and a team-first mindset, but keep space for initiative, creativity, and individual strengths.

5. Operationalize Processes with AI:

Use AI-powered platforms to centralize SOPs, policies, and team knowledge so everyone gets instant, accurate answers—freeing leaders from repetitive interruptions.

6. Commit to Continuous Improvement:

Set quarterly rocks (major priorities) and get everyone in a “90-day world” rhythm to maintain focus and momentum.

7. Invest in Unicorn Retention:

Put real effort—and budget—towards keeping and rewarding your all-star performers. Retention happens in the same place accountability lives.

Connect with Chris Hallberg:

- Email: chris@goexpand.com

- Online Course & Resources: Business Sergeant

- LinkedIn: (Make sure to connect there as mentioned in the episode!)

Favorite Quote: “Great doesn’t happen on accident. Be intentional, commit to finding, onboarding, and developing the best humans—and create a system where greatness can thrive.” — Chris Hallberg