As organizations evolve, they inevitably become more complex. Most companies have some degree of complexity from the beginning; typically business owners do not take the time to develop an operating system that scales with the organization. For leaders looking to grow to the next level, simplifying the complexities in your organization can be a valuable exercise.

“No further progress and growth is possible for an organization until a new state of simplicity is created.”

– Dan Sullivan, creator of The Strategic Coach Program

Focus is the key.

Ask yourself:

• Are the values of your organization clear to all employees, customers, and prospects (in both categories)?
• Are the vision and core goals of the organization well understood and communicated?
• Is your staff all rowing in the same direction?
• Has your organization documented core processes with an eye towards continuous improvement?

If you answered no to any of the above, you’re not alone. When I was CEO, I encountered these challenges as well. It took a focused effort from our leadership team to work on the important things that created enterprise value. Getting consensus on our overall vision, goals, and creating an operating system gave us the alignment, accountability, and traction we needed to grow.

Models like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) by Gino Wickman provide a powerful way to achieve your vision with lasting impact.

• Have more control over your time, your market, and your company.
• Have less frustrations with employees, customers, vendors or partners.
• Break through to the next level of growth and profit.
• Increase enterprise value.

“Simplify to grow.” A mantra to strengthen and re-energize your business.

Strategic operating systems start by articulating your organization’s core values and core focus.Develop long-term targets, short-term priorities, and issues. Answering these few, but important, questions is best accomplished during a one- or two- day offsite as a leadership team. And that’s just the beginning.

This year, make the time to work on your business, and not just in your business.

About Laurie Barkman:

Laurie is the founder of SmallDotBig, a growth consulting firm for companies with a mandate for change. With more than 20 years of experience as a CEO and Marketing leader, Laurie works with leaders to accelerate enterprise value. Connect with Laurie at lbarkman@smalldotbig.com, or learn more by visiting smalldotbig.com