By Charles A. (Marion, Iowa United States)
If the tactics needed to succeed in business were to be summed up in two words, they would be “realism” and “focus.” The first step in righting a faltering business or in making a successful business even more successful is to be honest and realistic about the state of the business. In other words, getting a grip on reality. The second step is then to focus on what are the important and most productive actions that can be taken to move the organization in the direction it needs to go. The 20/80 rules of 20% of the actions leading to 80% of the results apply here as well. Furthermore, if everything is important then nothing is important, so intelligent pruning is necessary.
The primary plan is called the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a generic plan that can be used by all organizations, for it is a process for managing a system. It is well named, for it is much like a computer operating system that runs the computer and provides an underlying interface where specific applications can be executed.
Like nearly all plans that are based on action derived from hard reality rather than the wish to greatness, the EOS will also work. The problem is removing all of the delusional and ego-preserving lenses through which the employees are viewing the traits of the organization. A series of activities, tables and checklists designed to move the people in the proper direction and keep them flowing that way are put forward. If implemented, these strategies will work, although it will often mean that people have to be moved around with some being shown the door.
Business is a tough business and it is getting even tougher over time. The EOS will help any business improve their situation by helping them engage in the activities that will aid them in creating their own tide that will lift their boats. In other words, pulling themselves up by their own boatstraps.
