The ‘GAS’ Factor
The quality that changes everything in business and life
Having lived a big life so far – and that may be an understatement – I am often asked for my thoughts on various topics around life, family and business.
The recurring answer to just about everything is to develop, pay attention to and be aware of the GAS (give a shit) factor in both yourself and others.
When someone truly gives a shit, what does that look like, what does it mean and what does it FEEL like, from both ends of the equation? Do you feel that you matter, that you are heard, that you are safe? Humans need humans! We NEED to feel that we matter and that we are also contributing to the greater good. That’s where our own GAS factor gets refilled. When I am offering assistance, a free coffee or a hand up that is declined, I am frequently heard saying, ‘Do not deny me the joy of helping you.’
Trust, Connection, Safety – Genuine care drives trust, sustained effort and DEEP human connection that creates long-term value. People who care listen actively and build real bonds. From a business perspective, good relationships = good business. Showing genuine care creates safety that allows us to stretch ourselves and take risks without fear of the consequences.
Trust, Connection, Safety – Genuine care drives trust, sustained effort and DEEP human connection that creates long-term value. People who care listen actively and build real bonds. From a business perspective, good relationships = good business. Showing genuine care creates safety that allows us to stretch ourselves and take risks without fear of the consequences.
Consistent attention and care about work is often labelled as ‘talent’ when it is actually a deep caring about the work and its outcome – including how it positively contributes to others. That’s the secret sauce (or secret weapon) that acts as an internal compass and ensures a high standard even when no one is watching. When I am interviewing for roles in our businesses, I focus little on skill set and mostly on discovering what the GAS Factor is. We can teach just about any process – making coffee, completing documentation, hoisting a NDIS participant… what we can’t teach is how to be a caring, deeply curious and interested human.
The GAS Factor is the core driver that separates thriving partnerships from purely transactional deals. When partners (in business and life) know you care, they forgive minor mistakes because they trust your good intentions. And let’s face it, we ALL make mistakes. A deep, authentic commitment to people’s wellbeing cannot be faked. It is felt. You know without question when someone ACTUALLY cares and it’s not lip service. And that feels SO good!
Now let’s work backwards on this one…
When you have run out of GAS, really can’t be bothered, don’t have the head space, interest or emotional capacity (all valid at different times!) how do we respond to others? Are we slowing down and deeply listening? Are we focusing on what others need and want instead of ‘what’s in it for me’? Are we creating psychological safety that allows others to be genuinely present and vulnerable? Or, during those times where our GAS Factor is critically low, are we honestly identifying that to those we are connecting with that they deserve more and calling ourselves out? ‘I’m sorry I am distracted/overloaded/weary/etc. and you deserve my full attention. I care about you enough to not show up with anything less than that. Can we car park this for a bit because I want to give you my full attention after I fill my tank?’
Is that not what we all crave and deserve?
About Cei Heck
Cei Heck is the Owner and Director of The Redcliffe Treehouse, a vibrant café and community hub designed with multiple function spaces where people can come together to work, create, connect and celebrate.
Cei is also the Director of Kyndred Kare and Thistledew, both registered NDIS provider businesses, reflecting her deep commitment to supporting others. Cei is passionate about making a genuine difference in people’s lives, which shines through in the way she leads her teams.
PHOTO (right/below)
Cei is a beautiful supporter of our Ladies Who Long Lunch community, always bringing her incredible, vibrant energy that lights up a room.
This photo is from our IWD 2025 Summer Sunset event. “Jo Stevens, Cei Heck, Helen Conroy & Kirsty Fields”
Be sure to follow Cei on her socials to learn more and stay connected.
Cei’s article “The Gas Factor” was originally printed in Issue 11 of The Lunch Mag.
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