What is EOS®? - The Entrepreneurial Operating System

What is EOS®?

EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is a complete business management system that helps growing companies get everything they want from their business. It's a set of simple, practical tools that help you clarify, simplify, and achieve your vision.

The EOS® Story

EOS® was created by Gino Wickman, who observed that most growing companies face the same fundamental challenges:

  • Lack of clarity about where the company is going
  • Poor communication between team members
  • Inconsistent execution of plans and strategies
  • No accountability for results
  • Reactive management instead of proactive leadership

After helping hundreds of companies solve these problems, Gino developed EOS® as a comprehensive system that addresses all these issues.

The Six Key Components™

EOS® is built around six key components that work together to create a strong, healthy organization:

1. Vision - Get Everyone on the Same Page

The Vision component helps you clarify where you're going and how you'll get there. It includes:

  • Core Values - The fundamental beliefs that guide your company
  • Core Focus - What you do best and what you're passionate about
  • 10-Year Target - Your long-term vision for the company
  • Marketing Strategy - How you'll attract your ideal customers
  • 3-Year Picture - A clear picture of what success looks like in 3 years
  • 1-Year Plan - Your top priorities for the next 12 months

2. People - Get the Right People in the Right Seats

The People component ensures you have the right people doing the right things:

  • Organizational Chart - Clear structure showing who reports to whom
  • Accountability Chart - Who is accountable for what results
  • People Analyzer™ - Tool to assess if people fit your culture and values
  • Right Person, Right Seat - Ensuring people are in roles that match their skills

3. Data - Manage by Numbers

The Data component helps you track the right metrics:

  • Scorecard - 5-15 key metrics you review weekly
  • Measurables - Clear numbers that indicate success or problems
  • Weekly Reporting - Regular updates on key performance indicators

4. Issues - Solve Problems Throughout the Organization

The Issues component provides a systematic way to identify and solve problems:

  • Issues List - Central place to track all problems and opportunities
  • Issues Solving Track™ - Step-by-step process for resolving issues
  • Level 10 Meeting™ - Weekly meeting format for discussing and solving issues

5. Process - Systemize Your Business

The Process component helps you document and follow your core processes:

  • Core Processes - The fundamental ways you do business
  • Process Documentation - Clear, written procedures for key activities
  • Process Adherence - Ensuring everyone follows the established processes

6. Traction - Execute with Discipline

The Traction component ensures you execute your plans effectively:

  • Rocks - 90-day priorities that move you toward your goals
  • Meeting Pulse - Regular meetings that keep everyone aligned
  • To-Do Lists - Clear action items with deadlines and accountability

How EOS® Works

EOS® works through a series of tools and meetings that create alignment and accountability:

Level 10 Meeting™

A structured 90-minute weekly meeting that follows a proven agenda:

  • Segue (5 min) - Personal updates and team building
  • Scorecard Review (5 min) - Review key metrics
  • Rock Review (10 min) - Check progress on quarterly priorities
  • Customer/Employee Headlines (5 min) - Important updates
  • Issues List (60 min) - Identify and solve problems
  • Conclude (5 min) - Rate the meeting and confirm next steps

Quarterly Planning Sessions

Regular sessions to review progress and set new priorities:

  • Review the previous quarter's results
  • Set new Rocks (90-day priorities)
  • Update the Vision and plans
  • Address major issues

Annual Planning

Yearly session to review and update your long-term vision and strategy.

The EOS® Tools

EOS® includes several practical tools that help implement the system:

V/TO™ (Vision/Traction Organizer)

A one-page document that captures your complete vision and plan.

Scorecard

A weekly report showing your key performance indicators.

Rocks

90-day priorities that help you achieve your goals.

Issues List

A central place to track problems and opportunities.

People Analyzer™

A tool to assess if people fit your culture and values.

Why EOS® Works

EOS® works because it addresses the fundamental challenges that all growing companies face:

Simplicity

EOS® uses simple, practical tools that anyone can understand and use.

Completeness

It covers all aspects of running a business, from vision to execution.

Proven Results

Thousands of companies have successfully implemented EOS® and achieved significant improvements.

Scalability

The system works for companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Common EOS® Myths

Myth: EOS® is only for large companies

Reality: EOS® works for companies of all sizes, from 10 employees to 10,000+.

Myth: EOS® requires a consultant

Reality: While consultants can help, you can implement EOS® yourself using the tools and resources available.

Myth: EOS® is rigid and inflexible

Reality: EOS® provides a framework that you can adapt to your specific needs and culture.

Myth: EOS® takes too much time

Reality: EOS® actually saves time by reducing confusion, improving communication, and increasing efficiency.

Getting Started with EOS®

Step 1: Learn the System

Read "Traction" by Gino Wickman to understand the complete EOS® system.

Step 2: Assess Your Company

Use the EOS® assessment tools to identify your current strengths and weaknesses.

Step 3: Start with One Component

Begin implementing one component (usually Vision or People) and gradually add others.

Step 4: Get Your Team on Board

Ensure your leadership team understands and commits to the EOS® process.

Step 5: Use the Tools

Start using the EOS® tools like the Scorecard, Rocks, and Level 10 Meeting™.

MeetingTango and EOS®

MeetingTango is designed to make implementing EOS® easier and more effective:

Built-in EOS® Tools

MeetingTango includes all the core EOS® tools:

  • V/TO™ Organizer
  • Scorecard
  • Level 10 Meeting™ structure
  • People Analyzer™
  • Issues List
  • Rocks management

Automation and Integration

MeetingTango connects all your EOS® tools so they work together seamlessly:

  • Scorecard updates automatically when you complete Rocks
  • Meeting agendas pull from your Issues and To-Do's
  • Progress tracking across all components

Affordable Implementation

MeetingTango provides EOS® tools at a fraction of the cost of traditional consulting, making the system accessible to more companies.

Success Stories

Companies that implement EOS® typically see:

  • Improved communication and alignment
  • Faster decision-making and execution
  • Better accountability and results
  • Reduced stress and conflict
  • Increased growth and profitability

Next Steps

Ready to learn more about implementing EOS® in your company?

  • Read "Traction" by Gino Wickman
  • Take the EOS® assessment to see where your company stands
  • Start with MeetingTango to get the tools you need
  • Join an EOS® community to learn from others

EOS® has helped thousands of companies achieve their vision and get everything they want from their business. With the right tools and commitment, it can do the same for yours.