Planetary Gears: An Organizational Model Rooted in People and Purpose

When I think about a high performing organization, I envision a planetary gear system-a powerful metaphor for how an organization thrives when all its parts work in harmony. At the center is the sun gear, radiating energy outward. In my leadership philosophy, people are that sun gear-the source of energy that powers everything else. Surrounding that core are the other gears: culture, performance, environment, and leadership. Each gear must mesh smoothly for the complete system to move forward efficiently and effectively.

People Gear: The Heart of an Organization

People are not just resources; they are the lifeblood of any organization. This approach is grounded in servant leadership, where the leader’s role is to support, serve, and uplift the team. When employees feel genuinely respected, cared for, and understood, their motivation and engagement naturally soar. This is not just theory-research consistently shows that happy, purpose-driven employees are more productive, innovative, and loyal.

To fuel this gear, I focus on building strong interpersonal relationships and prioritizing holistic well-being. Regular check-ins are not just about work progress, they’re about mental health, personal growth, and creating a safe space for honest conversation. Mentorship programs and intrinsic motivation strategies help employees find meaning in their work, which in turn creates a positive cycle of growth and achievement.

Culture Gear: The Invisible Force That Moves the Organization

Culture is not a buzzword or a trendy perk, it’s the living, breathing system that shapes how people work together, make decisions, and show up each day. While pursuing my Master’s in Public Administration, I realized how critical culture is, especially in government settings where trust and collaboration directly impact public service.

Strong culture requires intentional effort. It’s about creating shared values, meaningful rituals, and a sense of purpose that connects individual goals to the organization’s mission. In practice, this means daily morning meetings to align the team, year-long games that break down silos, and spaces for honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. These actions foster psychological safety, encouraging people to take risks, challenge themselves, and support one another.

When culture is nurtured, it becomes a powerful driver of happiness and innovation. It transforms the workplace into a community where people want to contribute and grow together.

Performance Gear: Celebrating Both Seen and Unseen Work

The results we all notice -clean parks, running water- are just the visible tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface lies the “bummock” work: the daily maintenance, troubleshooting, and behind-the-scenes efforts that keep everything running smoothly.

Most organizations overlook this invisible labor, but we made it a priority. We developed a system to track daily work and created a unique recognition program featuring patches, medals, and boards that celebrate both visible achievements and critical unseen tasks. This shift changed our culture profoundly. Employees feel valued not only for the end results but for the dedication that makes those results possible.

The lesson here is clear: leaders must make the invisible visible. True success is built on the foundation of consistent, often unglamorous effort.

Environment Gear: The Foundation of Well-Being and Productivity

The environment gear represents the foundation that keeps the entire system running smoothly. This includes fair and competitive compensation, safe and comfortable workspaces, and policies that balance organizational needs with employee well-being.

Work-life balance is a key component. Predictable hours, generous leave policies, and flexible scheduling help prevent burnout and reduce stress. Job security and transparent communication build trust and reduce anxiety. Additionally, a clean, well-designed workspace boosts morale and productivity.

But it’s not just about physical conditions. Recognition, inclusivity, and visible leadership presence create an intangible but vital sense of belonging and motivation. When this gear is strong, employees don’t just show up-they become passionate advocates for the organization’s mission.

Leadership Gear: The Ring Gear That Holds It All Together

In a planetary gear system, the ring gear encircles and holds everything together. Leadership plays this critical role, binding the organization’s elements into a cohesive whole.

We intentionally develop leaders at every level. Our “Leadership Learning” program includes weekly book discussions and presentations that challenge supervisors to see leadership from new perspectives and continuously improve. Self-awareness is a cornerstone-leaders must understand their own strengths and weaknesses and set a positive tone for their teams.

One of our most impactful innovations is the Leadership Council-an employee-elected group that brings frontline issues directly to administration, fostering transparency and trust. This council empowers staff with a real voice and helps solve problems collaboratively.

Leadership also depends on strong teams. We work closely with supervisors to build cohesive, high-functioning teams because leadership and teamwork are inseparable gears driving organizational success.

Why the Planetary Gear Model Works

The beauty of this model is in its synergy. Just like a planetary gear system achieves up to 97% energy transfer efficiency by meshing gears perfectly, our organizational approach creates a self-reinforcing cycle:

· People energized through care and purpose.

· A culture that aligns and motivates.

· Leadership that supports and holds the system together.

· Recognition of both visible and invisible performance.

· A supportive environment that sustains well-being.

Each gear amplifies the others, creating a workplace where people want to show up, contribute, and grow. The result? An organization that moves forward smoothly, efficiently, and with shared purpose.