What is a Business Operating System?
So you’re just born an entrepreneur and you start a business and run it right?
No. Not exactly.
Every entrepreneur needs a system on which to run their business.
A business operating system (BOS) is a set of processes, tools, and frameworks that businesses use to manage and run their operations efficiently.
It is essentially a system that encompasses all the core functions of a business, including finance, operations, human resources, marketing, sales, and customer service.
A BOS can be thought of as a blueprint for a business’s operations, providing a framework for how different departments and teams should work together to achieve the company’s goals. It typically includes processes for planning, organizing, executing, and evaluating different aspects of the business, such as budgeting, resource allocation, project management, and performance monitoring.
Some examples of popular BOS include Six Sigma, Lean Management, and Total Quality Management. However, BOS can also be specific to a particular industry or business model, and companies often develop their own BOS to fit their unique needs and objectives.
Our favorite operating system and the one we run on at Whale is the Entrepreneurial Operating System® or EOS.
In this blog, we want to share what it is.
What is the Entrepreneurial Operating System?
The Entrepreneurial Operating System® has inspired the masses. But what exactly is EOS®? And how do you get started with running your business on EOS? Learn more about how to win with EOS®.
Nearly 22 years ago, business mogul Gino Wickman started a revolution that was set to change the business world as we know it: the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
Gino’s aim was a simple one. He wanted to help organizational leadership teams get what they want out of their businesses. And with over 1 million books sold and more than 100K companies running on EOS, it’s safe to say his vision has inspired the masses.
But first things first. What exactly is EOS®? Why do companies rave about the results? And how do you get started with running your business on EOS?
The Entrepreneurial Operating System, or EOS®, is a set of concepts and tools that comprises a complete business management system that empowers entrepreneurs to reach their business goals and improve the lives of every individual the business affects.
But if you’re still wondering: ‘How do I explain EOS?’, it’s best to start by explaining the EOS Model® and the Six Key Components™ it’s built on; Vision, Data, Process, Traction, Issues and People.
EOS Component #1: Vision
Behind every great business is a robust set of values that promote the tone for the company culture. And everyone, at every level and in every function, has to be in alignment about the things that matter most.
Once your core values are locked down, it’s easier to visualize your end destination, map out the route that will get you there, and focus on the key milestones along the way.
Having a vision puts you firmly in the driving seat, but it also gives your team a fixed place to return to if they ever lose their way.
EOS® Component #2: People
To bring any vision to life, you need the right people around you. We’re not just talking in the boardroom, either. Every position you recruit for needs to be filled with someone who understands your vision, believes in it and promotes it.
Remember, there may be a lot of great candidates out there. But they might not be great for your company and your vision.
So when you find someone who’s the perfect fit, make sure to optimize their employee experience from day one. 
EOS® Component #3: Data
You know the line, “It’s not personal. It’s strictly business.” from The Godfather?
Well, when it comes to living the EOS life, Michael Corleone hit the nail on the head.
Because basing business decisions on opinions, feelings or personalities will get you nowhere. But sticking to a few objective and trackable metrics will keep you way ahead of the game.
EOS® Component #4: Issues
No successful business has a smooth ride. There’s always the occasional pothole on any route worth taking.
A core component of EOS is mastering the art of uncovering issues, solving them, and learning from the experience.
EOS® Component #5: Process
Process is the glue that holds any and every business together.
This component is all about identifying, simplifying, and documenting your core processes for company-wide clarification. 
Slay the Process Component, and watch your efficiency soar and profitability skyrocket.
Process is the reason we started Whale! Whale helps companies master the process component in their businesses.
EOS® Component #6: Traction
All of the above is great, but if you don’t put the wheels in motion, you’re never going to reach your destination. So pump up those tires, fill that tank, and get the show on the road.
That means filtering your roadmap to each business level, holding everyone to account (including yourself), and executing each leg of the journey with speed and skill.
Why use the Entrepreneurial Operating System?
Okay, so we’ve covered what EOS is and the bases it covers. But with over 100K companies running on EOS, what are the benefits that keep them coming back?
Well, to start with, here are just a few:
💫 Alignment refinement
By getting crystal clear on your vision and doubling down on your process implementation, you’re taking the guesswork out of your business.
Instead of employees constantly asking the same questions (or worse, simply doing whatever they want), implementing EOS sets everyone on the same path with the same goals.
And if there are any tricky decisions along the way, the team can revert to the vision and choose the route most aligned with getting them to that end destination.
In real terms, that EOS-driven alignment means:
- An end to vision procrastination: There’s an external pressure to figure it out, get it documented, scale it and pursue it fiercely.
- Building a rockstar team: With a vision in mind and a company aligned, you can choose people from day one who will share that vision and promote your values.
- Enhanced employee focus: Now everyone knows where the company is going, their role, and how to ace their part, they can crack on and get you there.
💫 Absolute accountability
Using EOS® to identify, discuss and cement your vision enables company-wide transparency. And with such open and frank conversations on the agenda, a culture of accountability is born.
Chasing your vision is like running a relay race. Each employee needs to understand their role within the team, be motivated to execute it and receive feedback on their progress.
Accountability is all about fostering a culture of ownership. Cutting the excuses, managing expectations, and simplifying decisions by aligning with — you guessed it — the company vision.
Ace accountability at every level, and watch your execution speed (and revenue) accelerate.
💫 A+ organization
You know that feeling when you’ve just tidied a room that’s been driving you crazy for months? That ‘aha’ moment? 
Imagine that feeling on a company-wide scale. (That’s one big exhale right there!)
Simply put, implementing EOS gets you ‘unstuck’.
And it does that by making you organized, healthy and functional. Especially within your leadership team. Because it’s their culture, example, and successes that set the tone for the rest of the organization.
EOS promotes tools and processes to get you ship shape and sail forwards to strengthen that culture. From strategic meetings to tracking systems and data-driven analysis techniques.
How to use EOS® to scale🚀
We’ve run Whale on EOS over the past couple of years to help us get organized and to keep accountability in the business. It’s helped us get the right people in the right seats and helped us focus on the right goals.
In fact EOS is part of the reason we started Whale. We realized that the Proces component needed a pragmatic system to help business owners get organized.
Below are just a few ways to get your EOS journey off the ground, plus an overview of the vital EOS tools available to help you rock it.
💫 Tip #1: Use an EOS® Implementer®
Although you can self-implement, recruiting an EOS Implementer can set you up to win.
An EOS Implementer is someone who uses their experience to help businesses excel at the Six Key Components — teaching, facilitating, and coaching along the way.
If you decide to work with an Implementer, the first step is to schedule a 90-minute meeting. Your implementer will learn all about your company, how the tools work, the outcomes they could achieve for you, and share their proven process for working with companies that run on EOS.
Tip #2: Start with your meetings
15% of an organization’s time is spent in meetings — and if they’re not achieving anything, then you’re waving goodbye to crucial time and money. 
Implement EOS by using both of the EOS meeting tools available:
Meeting Pulse™ — Keep meetings regular, consistent in format, and focused on maximizing alignment.
Level 10 Meeting™ — Get to the crux of the issues and use the limited team time you have to solve problems head-on.
By making your meetings more efficient, you’re not only able to save time and money, but you’re also able to spend that reclaimed bandwidth on nurturing your employees.
Tip #3: Focus on your people
One of the key benefits of the EOS is that it helps businesses with their people by creating a culture of accountability and alignment.
The EOS Framework uses a variety of tools to help people and teams create alignment.
Some of these include;
- The LMA™ Checklist — To use EOS effectively, you have to share the load. The checklist helps you assess how well you provide your team with Leadership and Management practices that lead to Accountability.
- The People Analyzer™ — In any business, it’s important to have the right people on your team. Evaluating people is a difficult and subjective task. With the People Analyzer, you will be able to remove subjectivity and simply ask, “Does this person fit our culture?”
- GWC™ — Great, you’ve identified whether someone ‘meshes’ well and has the culture down. But if you want them to truly excel within your company, you have to figure out where they fit best. Otherwise, everyone is on track to the frustration station. The GWC tool does just that.
Tip #4: Get everyone aligned
Simply put, most organizations need at least one person who’s a delegation pro. But even then, letting go is tough. With the Delegate and Elevate™ tool, you’ll know which tasks to give the boot and which tasks to soldier on with.
Then you have EOS’ Accountability Chart™. This tool makes you step back, take stock and push forward without subjectivity, emotions, or past experiences getting in the way. Instead, everyone knows how to play their part and how others are contributing too.
Finally, the Vision/Traction Organizer™. This tool takes the stress out of strategic planning, breaking it down into The Eight Questions™ that will decide where your organization is going and how you’re going to get there.
Ultimately EOS is about hitting goals
Whatever sector you’re in, whatever stage you’re at, whatever size you are, EOS® could be just the thing to take you to the next level.
Because as a business leader, you likely already know the following steps to take. But whether it’s procrastination, prioritization, or the juggling act that comes with building the plane as you’re flying it, you may likely be getting in your way.
But by breaking down those big steps and using logical tools to implement a significant change, those giant leaps and big goals seem that little bit less daunting and a heck of a lot more achievable.
And at the end of the day, hitting those goals is what EOS® is all about. Be sure to head on over to EOS Worlwide to find out more.
But now let's talk Process
At the end of the day a Business Operating System, is going to help you manage all aspects of your business.
What will also help you manage your business is Process! In other words have SOPs and Process Documentation in place to help you train your teams and scale your business.
Ready to create the A+ processes you’ll need to succeed with EOS?
Take our free assessment to see how ready your business is to systemize and grow.
