In craft breweries, timing matters. It’s true in brewing beer, and it’s equally true in how we manage our time and energy. The 5 Gears model gives us a way to think about this. Each gear represents a different mode of working or relating:

• 5th Gear – Deep focus, fully immersed in a project.
• 4th Gear – Task mode, handling to-do lists and multi-tasking.
• 3rd Gear – Social mode, small talk and casual connections.
• 2nd Gear – Connect mode, going deeper in one-on-one conversations.
• 1st Gear – Recharge, rest, and personal renewal.
• Reverse – Backing up to apologize when necessary.

The most effective leaders and teams spend time in every gear daily. That balance builds both productivity and longevity. If you only live in 4th and 5th Gear, you’ll eventually burn out. If you linger too long in 1st or 3rd, important work will slip through the cracks.

Just as important as moving through all the gears is knowing when to be in the right one. Being in the wrong gear at the wrong time erodes trust and influence. Picture this: a brewer is in 5th Gear, focused on dialing in a new recipe. If a teammate strolls in ready for 3rd Gear chit-chat, it can feel distracting and frustrating. Over time, those mismatches add strain to relationships and make collaboration harder.

On the flip side, shifting into the right gear at the right time multiplies influence. Taking a moment in 2nd Gear to check in with a team member after a tough shift, or making space for 1st Gear rest before a long brew day, sets the stage for better performance and healthier culture.

Breweries run on both great beer and great people. Mastering the 5 Gears helps ensure that neither gets neglected.

Craft Beer Professionals who learn to engage the right gear at the right time will see stronger teams, clearer communication, and better results, both in the brewery and beyond.

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About the Author

Ryan Mayfield is a leadership coach who helps brewery professionals build healthy leaders, strong teams, and thriving cultures. Through Craft Leadership, he equips clients with practical tools to lead with confidence, improve communication, and reduce daily frustrations. Craft has supported top breweries like Other Half, Rhinegeist, and Creature Comforts in navigating leadership and team challenges. Based in Tulsa, Ryan lives with his wife, teenage son, and opinionated beagle, Rooster.