Every company utilizes some form of an operating system, whether it's named or not. At True, we have found success using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). It's the only way to keep a room full of caffeinated creatives in check (kidding)! EOS is used by thousands of entrepreneurial companies around the world. It’s designed to be a simple framework for defining what’s important, who owns it, and exactly what success looks like, allowing True to get better results in every aspect.
In part one of our three-part blog series, we will focus on the basics of what EOS is and how it has helped our people and organization grow.
According to EOSWorldwide, "EOS, the EntrepreneurialOperating System®, is a complete set of simple concepts and practical tools that has helped thousands of entrepreneurs around the world get what they want from their businesses." In a nutshell, the EOS system helps our people meet, solve problems, plan, prioritize, follow processes, communicate, measure, structure, clarify roles, lead and manage.
Think about it this way – your organization is on a journey, and you’ve got your end goal plugged in as your destination. EOS acts as your guidance system and gives you the tools you need to plot a clear path, void of detours. For True, EOS helps our team approach manageable tasks in portions, avoiding challenges and creating opportunities. However, that’s only one part of the bigger picture.
The foundation of EOS for a company encompasses six key components: vision, people, data, issues, process, and traction. EOS is used to strengthen each of these areas. Below, we highlight some focus points of each:
The vision principle allows every member of the organization to be 100% aligned. It reduces the chance of employees running around in circles. When everyone understands their role and is all working toward the same unified goal, things are bound to be much more efficient.
Getting the right people in the right seats is a challenge for many companies. You could probably think of one point or another where someone just did not fit. Whether it was in the role they were hired to do or within the company at all. This component focuses on finding the right people who will excel in their roles.
The data aspect of EOS is designed to help you see where you are going. Data eliminates assumptions, subjective opinions, emotion, and ego. The numbers can assist with setting up and achieving goals.
Most of the time, things that can be improved, fixed, or changed to make things better are called issues. The major aspect of this component is bringing all issues to the surface and figuring out how you or your organization can resolve them.
The process makes progress. The process component helps organizations create a consistent, high-level way of doing things. When there is a process in place, you can ensure every person will have the tools they need to be successful.
Traction is all about discipline, execution, and accountability. This component clarifies priorities to make sure things get done.
All of this has given you a brief overview of what EOS is and how it can help companies thrive. We've experienced the benefit of using EOS first-hand, and some of our clients have too. Not only can a defined business operating system allow your company to grow, it can help with goal fulfillment. Be sure to visit the blog in the coming weeks to check out parts two and three for more details about how you can get started with EOS. Don’t want to miss out on new content? Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter.
