Implementing EOS® into Your Business: Q&A With Gino Wickman Blog Feature

By: GreatAmerica on November 19th, 2020


Implementing EOS® into Your Business: Q&A With Gino Wickman

A Q&A with a trained EOS® implementer, Sally Brause

As an EOS Implementer, when I saw Gino Wickman was going to be presenting a three-hour workshop on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) at IT Nation Connect 2020, I was excited to deepen my knowledge further. Our PathShare HR Services team is a big believer in this approach, as we even offer implementation services for EOS. One of our divisions even uses it to manage their part of the business.

Gino Wickman Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Workshop at IT Nation

Rewind to Thursday of IT Nation, where I sat down for a workshop with the founder of EOS, Gino Wickman. He talked about how the struggles of running his own business led him to develop the EOS model and write the book, Traction.

Most of the presentation included using a workbook that covered each aspect of the EOS model, which created a roadmap for MSPs to implement into their business.

Implementing EOS into Your Business

By the end of the workshop, the audience was engaged in the process, though the questions they asked indicated many were feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Gino wrapped up the workshop by saying if we wanted to implement EOS, there are three strategies or avenues to implementation:

  1. Buy the book, download the free tools, and do it yourself.
  2. Join the EOS Base Camp, which is a subscription to additional training resources.
  3. Hire a trained implementer to guide you through the process.

As an EOS Implementer myself, I though it would be helpful to answer some of the most common questions we get around EOS®.

Common Questions on EOS®

What are the benefits for an MSP to hire a 3rd party to implement EOS?

There are really two major benefits of engaging an implementer: time and effectiveness. 

One common challenge we hear is that there are not enough hours in the day.  An EOS implementer saves you time by guiding you when and how to apply the tools and process.

The second challenge an implementer solves is in effectiveness. It is difficult to both facilitate a meeting and be part of a meeting. Having an implementer allows you to be a full participant in the meeting, which often leads to better decisions and outcomes.

What does an EOS® implementer do?

When I’m helping a company implement EOS, there are three roles I serve:

Teacher

An implementer has expertise in the EOS process and tools. By hiring an implementer, companies benefit by having someone with deep, subject matter expertise ensure they receive the maximum benefit from the system by knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to apply it.  

Facilitator

An implementer understands team dynamics and can facilitate individual participant answers into an executable team answer. It is hugely beneficial to have a trained and objective outside party serve in this role.

Coach

Just like in sports, an implementer is going to coach the team to become their very best selves. This includes holding the team accountable to get more out of them than they may have believed possible.

 

How would a company know if an implementer is right for them?

Companies I’ve worked with as an implementer fall into one of two categories: they either tried implementing on their own and need help, or they knew they want to implement EOS, but don’t have the time, resources or expertise to do it on their own.

It’s common for a company to attempt implementing EOS on their own first. Some companies are exceptional at implementation without outside help. On the other hand, many companies, especially those in growth mode, know they need the system in place, but are unable to dedicate the time it takes to research, plan, and implement. There is no wrong way to implement EOS, just do it!

Next Steps: Explore EOS

As a first step, I highly suggest buying the book Traction, and deciding if EOS is a system you want to implement in your business.

If you’re interested in talking about implementation services, visit this page, and fill the form out at the bottom. Or sign up for a 90-minute EOS Consult below.


Sign Up for a Free 90-Minute EOS® Consult:

Check Mark in Circle blue If you're still not sure how to get started with strategic planning, EOS® is a complete set of simple concepts and practical tools that has helped thousands of entrepreneurs get what they want from their businesses. By mastering this simple way of operating, leadership teams of growth-oriented companies systematically and permanently improve. Click the button below and sign up for a free 90-minute EOS® Consult.Sign Up For Your Consult

GreatAmerica

GreatAmerica is the largest independent, family-owned national commercial equipment finance company in the U.S. and is dedicated to helping manufacturers, vendors, and dealers be more successful and keep their customers for a lifetime. GreatAmerica was established in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1992 and now has offices in Iowa, Georgia, Minnesota, and Illinois. In addition to financing, GreatAmerica offers innovative non-financial services to help our customers grow.