Who is Who in the Zoo
Master the H.O.T.S. Framework: The Four Core People Types Every Business Needs
When you're building a business—or scaling one—you need to know Who is Who in the Zoo.
That might sound like a playful phrase, but it's one of the most powerful tools I've used over the last 20 years. Because what creates chaos in teams? It's not just bad hiring. It's unclear roles. It's the wrong people in the wrong places. And it's not understanding what drives each type of person in your organization.
The H.O.T.S. Framework
The four core people types every business needs
The Hare — The Visionary
Remember: Hares are brilliant at starting, not finishing. Give them room to run, but don't expect them to project manage.
The Owl — The Strategist
Owls take the Hare's wild idea and say, "Okay—but how do we execute that over 12 months with milestones?"
The Turtle — The Implementer
Turtles don't want vision—they want clarity. You give them the map, they'll follow every step.
The Squirrel — The Supporter
They're the glue. Without Squirrels, your culture crumbles—even if your sales grow.
🚨 The Problem Most Businesses Face
We hire based on CVs, experience, or even referrals—but we don't ask: Are they the right personality type for this role?
Sometimes, we hire five Hares. Or a Turtle to do a Hare's job. And everything slows down.
🛠️ What You Need to Do
Print the H.O.T.S. chart (we'll give you one).
Map your team (or just yourself if you're early stage).
Ask the tough questions:
- Do I have too many Squirrels and no Owls?
- Am I forcing a Turtle to behave like a Hare?
- What's my own natural role—and where am I stretched?
This will change how you hire, delegate, and lead.
✨ Why This Matters
When you know Who is Who in the Zoo:
- You reduce friction.
- You hire smarter.
- You build teams that perform without burnout.
- And more importantly—you give people permission to be in their genius zone.
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About Marina Nicholas
Marina Nicholas has spent 20 years building and scaling businesses, working with teams across multiple industries. The H.O.T.S. Framework has been tested and refined through real-world experience, helping hundreds of business leaders build more effective, harmonious teams.