Using EOS during a crisis

It has become apparent that using EOS during a crisis is the same as using EOS. If you are familiar with the EOS Model, there are Six Key Components:

Vision - Ensure the 8 questions you answered in your Vision/Traction Organizer are still valid, if not, adjust accordingly.

People - When I work with clients to create an Accountability Chart, we build the structure of the organization with the next 6 to 12 months in mind. Well, if you expect revenue to be down 40% over the next 6 to 12 months, you do the same exercise. Creating your structure and evaluating employees against their cultural and skill fit, you will be able to make informed decisions. The decisions may be difficult. I have never said EOS was easy. The tools are simple, but using them effectively can be difficult.

Data - Identify the 5 to 15 WEEKLY measurements around Sales, Marketing, Operations and Finance that give you a complete pulse on how your business is performing. During a crisis, you may want to add some daily metrics or change your metrics to fit your needs.

Issues - This is the intersection of “The highest priority barriers you are facing” and “You have control over fixing it.” A root cause it that thing that if you address it, you will eliminate or substantially reduce the issue. Get to the root and solve your issues in priority order.

Process - During COVID 19, a bank client processed 2 loans on the first day of the Payroll Protection Plan. By day 14, they were processing 83 loans per day. Constantly improve your processes and get them followed by all.

Traction - Set your highest priorities for the business and use the Level-10 meeting process to work on your priorities. Normally, we recommend Quarterly priority setting and 90 minute weekly Level 10 meetings. During the pandemic, we saw clients meeting as much as daily and setting priorities weekly, 30, 60 and 90 days out.

The EOS Model and EOS Process are a powerful combination to run your business. Whether in a pandemic or not, it improves your chances of success. This blog was inspired by Mike Paton, a Certified EOS Implementer and co-author of “Get A Grip - How to get everything you want from your entrepreneurial business.”