Make strategic planning and streamlined communication a habit
As a CEO, you must spend your time on high-value responsibilities, but it is easy to get bogged down by jobs that are trivial or more fun.
By starting the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), Kristjan Hebert with Hebert Grain Ventures in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, can now focus on future opportunities and building a best-in-class team.
“EOS helps us be on the same page when it comes to prioritization and communication,” Hebert says. “It really amplifies how fast your business can move.”
GOALS AND SCORECARDS
The concept of EOS is to combine strategic planning with proven weekly habits, explains Rena Striegel, president of Transition Point Business Advisors.
“Everybody can use good weekly habits: how to run solid weekly operational meetings, manage your measurables, solve issues, improve communication and constantly evaluate your business,” says Striegel, who became an EOS implementer five years ago.
The EOS process includes structured weekly, quarterly and annual meetings to discuss goals, scorecards, issues and assignments.
“It can be big commitment on the front end, however the process helps you focus on ‘What should we do?’ and get rid of all the ‘What could we do?’ Overall, it creates transparency and accountability,” Striegel says.
Hebert says his team benefitted from the goal setting and accountability chart pieces. “We spent a lot of time defining our farm values — not just what you wish they were but what you are actually living,” he says.
While it looks similar to an organizational chart, Hebert says an accountability chart drives better decisions.
“It shows what you accountable for, as in what do you have to talk to others about prior to making a decision versus when you just let others know you’ve made a decision,” he says. “Accountability charts help get egos and superiority out of a team.”
TEST THE WATER
The EOS system can bring new levels of professionalism to your farm, Striegel says. To gain the most value, you must be dedicated to the process. For many, that means hiring an EOS implementer.
“An implementer is a financial investment because you are buying a system, not just paying a person,” she says. “Every organization I’ve worked with has more than recouped that investment in a short amount of time.
If you are interested in the system, she suggests reading the EOS book “Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business,” by Gino Wickman. Take notes and see how far you get. If you become stuck, bring in someone to help.
THE EOS MODEL
The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is a business system of concepts and tools. While it can be a do-it-yourself project, most businesses find faster and greater success by hiring an EOS implementer. The EOS system includes six components:
- Vision: Getting everyone aligned and focused on the same vision.
- People: Getting the right people in the right seats.
- Data: Measuring performance and having a pulse.
- Issues: Identifying and solving issues that continuously slow you down.
- Process: Documenting the way you do things and being consistent.
- Traction: Accountability, discipline and execution.
