Most technical staff are familiar with the term operating system. Whether it is Linux, or IOS, or Windows, we have used the term for years in regard to our favorite hardware devices, be it a PC, phone, or tablet. But have you ever considered that your business needs an operating system? Let me tell you why I believe it does.
What an Operating System Does
Let’s consider a software based operating system. The OS (operating system) is a platform for all other operations. Without getting too technical, it provides communication between the hardware and the software, and often times between different programs themselves. It integrates all of the working components, whether they are hardware based or software based. It is like the brain of the operation (think of a telephone switchboard) that patches in the channels that are necessary for the whole system to communicate effectively and relays commands to the different parts. If you think of your business, it is very similar. It has many moving parts (departments) and functions (processes) that have to interoperate.
As a business manager it is your job to make sure everything integrates well and the product is delivered to the customer. For many businesses, the business owner or manager is the “brain” or “integrator” that is responsible for making sure every departments operates effectively and relays communications between the moving parts. Very few do this effectively without help and today’s leaders are turning more and more to systems like EOS™ (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to help them run their business.
What the Heck is EOS?
So what the heck is EOS™? EOS™ is a system conceived by Gino Wickman, based on other strategy and performance management systems, and published in a library of books know as Traction™. The system helps you to define your business from the perspective of six different components; vision, data, process, people, issues and traction. Through the use of regular offsite meetings with your leadership team and a qualified facilitator, you are led into a system that not only organizes your business, defines your vision and mission, but helps structure your organization effectively for maximum scalability. It further provides tools to manage staff, define the idea metrics to track, and keeps your team focused on the most important priorities to help you build maturity in your business.
Do I Really Need a Facilitator?
Yes. Many business owners buy the books and think they can implement on their own. They may get some things right but quite frankly you cannot do it yourself for two main reasons. One, you cannot be objective. You are “in” the business and as much as you try to work “on” the business from the outside, you will never have that external viewpoint you need to be effective. Secondly, the offsite meetings are highly intense and require you to interact with your team as their mentor to help build highly qualified leaders. You simply cannot fulfill that role while trying to facilitate the meeting as well.
The tools used are not complex, but there is no substitute for experience when it comes to implementing them. The bottom line is, you need someone with experience to walk you through it. Some organizations find they can begin self facilitation after about 3 years within the program but for the reasons mentioned before, it is recommended you stick with a professional facilitator.
Who Can Help Me?
Now that you have discovered that your business needs an operating system, where do you go? There are a couple of different ways to go when trying to find someone to help. EOS Worldwide has a list of facilitators that are certified to help. They are highly qualified, held to a high standard and trained regularly on the latest advances in the EOS™. Alternatively, there are EOS™ consultants out there that are not certified by EOS™ Worldwide that are competent in the system and capable to lead you through the dark waters. While these consultants are not certified by EOS™ (which is an expensive endeavor), they can still be highly qualified and capable facilitators. It is recommended you reach out to a variety of options and go with who you believe is the best fit for your organization. If you need further assistance or would like to discuss getting an EOS™ facilitator to help you through the process, contact us at RedVine Operations and we will set you on the right path.
*EOS is a Trademark of EOS Worldwide, LLC.