Ep 36 - Can EOS and OKRs Work Together? Bridging Vision and Execution With Expert Jessica Lee

What happens when two powerhouse frameworks collide?

In this episode, Sara dives into a fascinating conversation with Jessica Lee, exploring the dynamic intersection of EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System®) and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in business management. As both an EOS integrator and an OKR coach, Jessica shares her unique expertise, offering actionable insights into how these two frameworks can work in harmony to help organizations not just survive but truly thrive.

Episode Highlights:

• The complementary relationship between EOS and OKRs in business management
• Understanding the crucial visionary-integrator dynamic in leadership
• How EOS provides structure for businesses ready to scale
• The importance of proper goal-setting and measurement systems
• Role definition and its impact on organizational success
• The value of coaching in implementation of both frameworks

Key Concepts Explored:

EOS Framework Components

• Vision Traction Organizer (VTO)
• Rocks and Measurables
• People Analyzer
• Accountability Chart
• L10 Meetings

Leadership Dynamics

• Visionary (CEO) role and characteristics
• Integrator role and responsibilities
• Creating effective partnership between both roles

Goal Setting and Measurement

• Integration of EOS rocks with OKR methodology
• Importance of measurable outcomes
• Balance between vision and execution

Organizational Structure

• Role definition before performance evaluation
• Right people in right seats concept
• Simplified organizational structure approach

Episode Chapters

[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast

[00:58] Live from the Race Trailer

[02:16] Guest Introduction: Jessica Lee

[03:06] Understanding EOS and OKRs

[04:40] Implementing EOS in Small Businesses

[13:55] The Role of the Integrator

[20:31] Accountability and Goal Setting

[26:57] Conclusion and Farewell

Notable Quotes:

"Having a shared vocabulary and shared words and meanings within an organization could probably alleviate 75 percent of conflict that happens in businesses." - Sara Lobkovich

"Find out what matters to your people. That’s how you’re going to get the most out of the people you have." - Jessica Lee

"What I learned from OKR coaching was that staying quiet and letting someone else reach the answer can be the hardest—and most impactful—work." - Jessica Lee

"Research shows that we will dramatically overestimate what we think we could do in a short amount of time, but we will grossly underestimate what we could do in a larger amount of time." - Jessica Lee

Guest Information: 

Jessica Lee owns Optimized Execs, a business consulting firm helping CEOs of small and medium-sized businesses who feel overwhelmed and unsure about growth strategies. Her experience includes serving as a COO and implementing EOS in various organizations.

Jessica's Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "Traction" by Gino Wickman
• Book: "Rocket Fuel" (focused on visionary-integrator relationship)
• Website: www.optimizedexecs.com
• LinkedIn: Jessica Lee
• Website: www.optimizedexecs.com

Sara's Links and Resources:

• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/4asU5wo
• Email Sara at hello@redcurrantco.com
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod
• Visit https://ck.redcurrantco.com to join the newsletter for additional resources and early access to new tools.

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers!

Mentioned in this episode:

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