One Reason “Solve” Is So Hard
When implementing EOS, clients often say, “this may be simple, but it’s not easy!” And they’re right. I’ve been helping other companies master these tools for more than seven years, and I’m still learning something new every day.
Are You Too Small to Make a Difference at Work?
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” The Dalai Lama (XIV)
Want to Solve Business Issues? Close the Complaint Department
Does your company have a “complaint department?” Most do. Someone with a door that’s always open, a sympathetic ear and the promise of keeping things “between us.” In many organizations, these people seem to serve a valuable purpose—or at least do no real harm.
The (Neverending) Journey to 100% Strong
In the first three sessions with a new client, an EOS Implementer (like me) spends as much as half the time helping the leadership team strengthen their organization’s “People Component.” Both in and between those sessions, the leadership team is working hard to get the Right Structure for the organization, and to make sure the company is filled with the Right People in the Right Seats. The EOS Tools we rely on to strengthen the People Component in this way are Core Values, the Accountability Chart, the People Analyzer and GWC.
Go Deep…Every Day
Over the last few months, about 80% of my clients have conducted their two-day Annual Planning Sessions. These powerful, jam-packed sessions always help a leadership team go deep – to celebrate the successes of the prior year, identify issues that don’t always come out during more routine sessions and meetings, and to increase team health.
Making the Case for Results
Are you really focused on Results?
No Apology Necessary
During this year’s busy Annual Planning season, one of my clients was moved to tears while reflecting on the past year. He was recounting a “personal great”, and filled with pride for his daughter while sharing a few of her significant accomplishments. He struggled to finish the story, and ultimately needed to take a short break to compose himself. Throughout this touching, heartfelt moment, he kept apologizing to his team for being so emotional.
Accountability – To Be or Not to Be?
Those familiar with EOS know that an Accountability Chart crystallizes roles and responsibilities for everyone in the organization. It’s built by focusing first on the right structure for the organization – identifying the major functions (seats) necessary to execute on the company’s vision over the next 6-12 months and then carefully defining the five roles the owner of each seat must obsess about every day to be successful. Only then can you focus on getting the right people in the right seats. It’s a simple tool that clearly defines the things for which every single person in the organization is accountable.
It’s Just an Issue…
This is a phrase professional EOS Implementers use frequently. It helps leaders keep things in perspective, avoid unnecessary drama, and focus on resolving Issues (rather than lamenting their inevitable existence). The following story reminded me just how important that discipline is…in business and in life.
Are You Running in a Straight Line?
My high school cross country coach, Chuck Lucas, was a legend. He and his teams won more than twenty league championships, countless district titles and two state titles – my senior year and the year following. There were lots of reasons “Coach Luke” was effective, but one was remarkable. He saw things other coaches never saw.