Clients are always asking me if there’s anything they are doing – or aren’t doing – that will prevent them from getting everything they can possibly get from their investment in EOS®. It’s a big system, and it takes some time to learn, so it’s natural to think you might be missing something. There are things everyone can do to maximize the benefits of using EOS. Some of it will depend on where you are in the process.
Here are my top 5 tips for gleaning everything possible from EOS:
5. Use the Traction Library as part of orientation and training for new employees and managers.
Consider giving each new employee a copy of What The Heck is EOS? and giving each new manager a copy of How To Be A Great Boss. I have one client who hired a new Integrator a while back. He had all his serious candidates read TRACTION as part of the interview process since they would have to be on board with EOS to run his company. He found it was a great way to weed out folks who wouldn’t buy in. You can get a 50% discount by buying at least 20 books directly from the publisher*.
Also, ensure that everyone in a leadership position downloads and uses the EOS Mobile App.
4. After you’ve “graduated,” continue to take the Organizational Check-up at least twice a year, if not every quarter.
This will help you identify areas where things may be weakening and head problems off before they begin. The goal is to collectively score 80% or better.
3. Stay plugged in to the EOS user community.
If you’re self-implementing, this can be challenging on your own. Reach out to an EOS Implementer in your area and ask him or her to connect you to any local user groups that are available where you are. Beyond the peer support provided, many companies attract new business through these groups because EOS folks enjoy doing business with one another.
There are several online communities you can join as well:
- Female Integrator Mastermind
- Authentic Brand’s Integrator User Group
- EOS Global Community LinkedIn Group
- Rocket Fuel Book Owners LinkedIn Group
Another great way to engage with like-minded EOS business leaders is by attending the EOS Conference. This is an international gathering of hundreds of EOS Companies that happens each Spring. Gino Wickman usually gives the keynote, and breakout sessions are led by Certified EOS Implementers. I have clients who go every year without fail and refuse to miss one because the value they receive so greatly exceeds the price of the ticket. Whereas many groups and gatherings are primarily for the Integrator or Visionary, the EOS Conference is a great way to involve your entire leadership team. It’s a very powerful experience!
2. If you are self-implementing, consider booking a Self-Implementer Check-up Session.
Most Certified Implementers offer one-off sessions where self-implementers can ask any questions they have and get expert feedback on specific aspects of EOS. The Implementer can help identify any weak areas and share ways to improve performance. Many companies compare this to hiring a personal trainer to evaluate how well they are doing their exercises and what they can tweak to get better results.
1. Commit to sticking with the process all the way to the end.
If you do only one thing I mention in this article, make it this one. When you quit before you learn all the tools in the EOS toolbox, it’s like going out to finish a partially-built house with half the loops in your tool belt empty. Some of the tools you need are missing, and you have to waste huge amounts of time looking around for something else that will do.
A few clients over the years have decided to finish installing EOS by self-implementing after their second or third Quarterly Planning Session. With one exception, they had all regressed to their pre-EOS state within a year. They found that running the day-to-day and devoting the time to teaching themselves EOS was a tall order that they weren’t prepared to handle, and their learning fell by the wayside.
It takes 18-24 months to learn all the tools and fully install EOS in a company if you’re working with a Professional or Certified Implementer. If you are self-implementing, it will take longer, unless the person leading your implementation can devote the majority of their time and effort to this pursuit. Allow yourself 36-48 months to really get all the tools under your belt.
Whether you’re working with an Implementer or not, you were committed to the process when you began. Remain committed and don’t put the progress you’ve made at risk. If you stay the course, you’ll soon graduate, fully empowered to maintain the traction you need to keep advancing and reach your 10-Year Target.
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