How to Create a High Productivity Business Operating System
High productivity business operating systems allow your business to be at its most productive and profitable. Learn more in our quick how to guide.
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Published on:
18 Jun 2020
Imagine driving a high-performance car with the wrong engine. No matter how sleek it looks, it won’t win the race. The same applies to your business. Without a high-productivity Business Operating System (BOS), you’re limiting growth, missing opportunities, and leaving profitability on the table.
In this guide, discover how to fine-tune your business engine to maximise performance, profitability, and long-term success.
What is a Business Operating System (BOS)?
Your BOS is the backbone of your company – the framework that integrates your processes, roles, systems, and culture. It’s more than software or technology; it’s the unique way your business operates and thrives.
A high-productivity BOS aligns every aspect of your business, ensuring marketing, sales, production, and service delivery function seamlessly. It’s the secret behind consistent growth, innovation, and scaling without chaos.
Why Your Business Operating System Determines Success or Failure
A failing BOS leads to sluggish performance, high staff turnover, and wasted resources. Conversely, a well-optimised BOS drives efficiency, motivates teams, and sharpens your competitive edge.
Consider this: Toyota’s Production System (TPS) didn’t just improve manufacturing; it reshaped the entire automotive industry by focusing on lean processes and innovation. Similarly, Starbucks' BOS ensures you get the same experience, whether in London or New York, by defining clear roles, processes, and customer touchpoints.
5 Core Components of a High-Productivity BOS
To build a BOS that accelerates growth, focus on these five key areas:
Processes
Streamlined processes reduce waste and maximise efficiency. Document workflows, eliminate redundancies, and create a framework that scales. Regularly review and optimise processes to keep pace with market changes.
Example: Amazon’s fulfilment centres operate with precision because of meticulously designed processes that optimise order picking and packing.
Systems
Systems provide predictability and consistency. From CRM software to employee training frameworks, systems create stability and remove guesswork.
Tip: Implement automation tools to standardise repetitive tasks, freeing up talent for strategic initiatives.
Roles
Clear roles eliminate confusion, increase accountability, and align with company objectives. Define each role to support the company mission, ensuring every employee understands their contribution to the bigger picture.
Example: In Lego, defined roles and a culture of innovation empower staff to continuously improve processes and product design.
Skills
Skills drive performance. Identify the skills needed for each role and provide ongoing training to enhance employee capabilities. Upskilling improves productivity and ensures your team adapts to industry trends.
Actionable Tip: Offer regular professional development and mentorship programmes to build a future-ready workforce.
Structure
Organisational structure shapes how decisions are made and ideas flow. Move away from rigid hierarchies to agile structures that empower employees and encourage innovation.
Case Study: Spotify’s ‘squad’ structure enables cross-functional teams to collaborate efficiently, driving faster product development.
Signs of a Low-Productivity BOS
Long working hours without results
High staff turnover and disengagement
Missed project deadlines
Lack of accountability and ownership
Declining customer satisfaction
If these symptoms sound familiar, your business may be operating on a low-productivity BOS that’s holding you back.
Steps to Create a High-Productivity BOS
Audit Your Current BOS Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas of friction. Engage employees for feedback and analyse performance metrics.
Redesign Processes and Systems Simplify complex workflows and introduce new technologies that promote efficiency and scalability.
Clarify Roles and Responsibilities Eliminate overlaps and ensure every role contributes to the overall vision. Use tools like RACI matrices to clarify ownership.
Invest in Talent Development Offer skill development programmes and leadership training to enhance employee capabilities.
Implement Continuous Improvement Regularly revisit and refine your BOS using employee engagement surveys, customer feedback, and performance data.
The Payoff of a High-Productivity BOS
A robust BOS leads to increased profitability, higher employee engagement, and improved customer experiences. More importantly, it provides the foundation for sustainable growth, freeing you to scale or plan your exit strategy without stress.
By investing in a high-productivity BOS, you’re not just improving operations – you’re future-proofing your business for long-term success.