What is an organizational operating system?
What is your team running on – other than caffeine and fumes?
Your computer runs on an operating system – macOS, Windows, Linux and its job is to ensure the seamless coordination of tasks and processes, so that the user can work effortlessly.
But did you know your team also runs on an OS?
An Org OS is made up of the norms, practices and routines that define that way your team works. Whether you recognize it our not, its running in the background at all times.
Every team has an organizational OS. The question is whether your Org OS has been accidentally or intentionally designed.
An Org OS manages how the organization functions, from how the team interacts to how work gets done, and from how leaders are developed to how decisions are made.
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Configure your Org OS
Just like a computer OS, an Org OS can be designed to your preferences. Sure, there are some default settings, but to truly optimize it, an OS needs to be configured.
A modern Org OS also requires design. It requires an understanding of the unique problems you are facing at any given time and how the tools and practices in a framework can address them.
A healthy organization runs on an operating system that has been designed with intention. A healthy organization requires that leaders don’t leave the most important strategic activities to chance.
6 Levers
THE ORG OS FOR MISSION-DRIVEN TEAMS
6 Levers is:
An Org OS framework specifically designed for mission-driven teams.
A proven collection of habits, tools and mindsets that can nurture and sustain org health.
A human-centered, modular and systematic approach to running a healthy organization.
When mission-driven leaders look for tools to improve org health, there’s a problem: the solutions that exist weren’t created for them.
And, they’re told they must run the play exactly as scripted, that any deviation will result in little impact.
Teams need tools that are both flexible and built-for-purpose.
Teams are different, and it's OK to start in different places. Some teams will need to start with goal-setting, others with establishing team habits, and others with cohesion.
Wherever you’re starting from, 6 Levers will meet your team where you are.
THE IDENTITY LEVER captures the soul of the team or organization: what it believes, why it exists, and what it values. Identity includes: Beliefs, Mission, Theory of Impact, Vitals, Values and Tenets
When teams take the time to clarify their Identity, they increase the chances of developing a healthy and cohesive organizational culture rooted in a strong foundation. Clear and meaningful Identity makes purpose-driven culture possible.
THE FOCUS LEVER equips teams to navigate the ever-changing, complex nature of organizations and elevate the handful of priorities that matter most for a given period of time. The Focus Lever offers your team permission to keep your attention on the bigger picture and stop doing the rest.
When team members are aligned in their Focus, they will experience greater collaboration, and their collective efforts will be much more likely to drive vision and improve org health.
THE MOMENTUM LEVER is the spirit of the 6 Levers Framework. It’s an organizational state of being that embodies a spirit of progress through the practice of intentional action, responsiveness, continuous improvement, and a culture of feedback.
It is about embracing the idea that we learn by doing. It’s about taking an action-oriented, progress-centric approach to get to better outcomes. The Momentum Lever appreciates that people are motivated by progress.
THE COHESION LEVER is a set of foundational structures and tools that harness the power of intentional, unified and connected teams.
Cohesion is about understanding that how a team works together is even more important than who is on the team. The biggest indicator of a healthy organization is the level of cohesion–or the level of unity, trust, engagement and operational clarity–within each of its teams.
THE LEADERSHIP LEVER describes how an organization systematically harnesses and develops leadership in all team members.
The 4 Leader Practices – self-awareness, vulnerability, support/challenge, and curiosity – are a set of intentional behaviors accessible to all who seek them. When adopted across a team and practiced with consistency and intention, they will become a team’s superpower.
THE RHYTHM LEVER is the set of essential operating routines that build strong organizational habits and ensure that the most important work gets done. The Operating Cycle is the set of foundational Rhythms that ensure the routine execution of essential operating activities: the Annual, the Quarterly, the Weekly, the All-Team and the One on One.
In the absence of intentional operating rhythms, teams work less efficiently, with a lower sense of purpose, and leave essential strategic activities to chance.
Strong rhythms also equip organizations with routines to maintain organizational health and develop a sense of belonging and trust amongst their teams.
Transformation takes time
but getting started is easy
So is your organization’s OS intentionally designed?
It’s not a simple “yes” or “no.”
Some of your OS likely is. Other aspects will need your attention as you continue designing the org OS.
Each of the 6 Levers is designed to shape a more meaningful culture. Progress is incremental.
Transformation takes time, and teams should celebrate the progress along the way!
One team-building exercise or leadership retreat is not going to make much of a dent. It’s the everyday actions and habits of your teams that, over time, will shape your culture.
An intentionally designed Org OS provides a framework your team can draw upon to build a healthy culture and, ultimately, a healthy organization.
Imagine next time your team is struggling with focus – having tools and practices to turn to. Or the next time your meetings need strengthening – knowing exactly how you can improve them.
Ready to configure your Org OS?
Learn about our Sprints to begin implementing the 6 Levers in your org.