Every few months, a pop-up appears on my phone reminding me to update it's operating system. It’s a simple reminder that technology needs regular upgrades to stay efficient, secure, and effective.
But what about the Operating System of an Organisation?
What is an Organisational Operating System (OOS)?
An Organisational Operating System (OOS) is the framework, processes, and structures that guide how an organisation operates, makes decisions, and achieves its goals. Think of it as the engine that drives alignment, efficiency, and effectiveness across teams and departments.
Research by McKinsey shows that organisations with a clear and well-defined operating system can be up to 30% more efficient, leading to higher productivity and growth.
Is Your Organisation Due for an OS Update?
Just like a phone prompts you when an update is overdue, there are warning signs that your organisation might need an operational refresh. Here are some key indicators you shouldn’t ignore:
Inefficiency – Are team members unknowingly working on the same tasks? Are deadlines consistently being missed?
Diminished Accountability – Is there confusion over who is responsible for what? Are tasks slipping through the cracks, leading to finger-pointing?
Misaligned Efforts – Is your team’s focus drifting away from strategic objectives?
Limited Scalability – As your team grows and is put under more pressure, are operational issues being exposed and even multiplied?
If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to stop ignoring the pop-ups and hit the "install" button.
Updating your organisational OS takes time—clarifying objectives, defining initiatives, and implementing new processes—but trying to run an organisation in 2025 on a legacy system will ultimately waste more time and energy over all.
Time for an Upgrade?
At Tillon, we have helped numerous companies to align strategy, people, and processes by building bespoke future-ready operating systems.
To learn more about our process book your free consultation today.
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