How to Build a
High-Performing Company

7 Operating Systems Used By World-Class CEOs
by Eric Partaker

1. Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)

(h/t Gino Wickman)

Runs the whole business on one simple system.

Why it matters:
Gives every part of the company a clear owner and rhythm.

Use it when:
Your team is misaligned and execution is inconsistent.

Vision People Data Issues Process Traction

2. The McKinsey 7S Model

(h/t McKinsey & Company)

Why it matters:
Change one element and the others shift too. Use it to find what’s blocking growth.

Use it when:
Something in the business isn’t working and you can’t pinpoint why.

Shared Values Structure Strategy Staff Style Skills Systems

3. Objectives & Key Results (OKRs)

(h/t Andy Grove)
  • 1 bold objective
  • 3–5 measurable key results
  • Score at least quarterly

Why it matters:
Aligns the whole team around what matters most this quarter.

Use it when:
You need focus and measurable progress, not just activity.

Objective Key Results Key Results Key Results

4. RAPID® Decision-Making Model

(Developed by Bain & Company)

Why it matters:
Confusion over who decides leads to delays and blame. This clears it up.

Use it when:
Decisions are slow or ownership is unclear.

R
RecommendSuggests the course of action
↓
A
AgreeMust sign off
↓
P
PerformExecutes the decision
↓
I
InputProvides facts or opinions
↓
D
DecideFinal decision-maker

5. The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX)

(h/t McChesney, Covey & Huling)

Why it matters:
Strategy fails in execution. This closes the gap.

Use it when:
You have a clear strategy but the team isn’t following through.

The 4 Disciplines
of Execution
1
Focus on the Wildly Important Goal (WIG)
2
Act on Lead Measures,
not lag measures
3
Keep a Compelling Scoreboard
4
Create a Cadence of Accountability
Execute your strategy

6. The Balanced Scorecard

(h/t Kaplan & Norton)

Why it matters:
Revenue alone doesn’t tell you if the business is healthy. This gives you the full picture.

Use it when:
You’re growing but can’t tell where the cracks are forming.

Financial Are we hitting our numbers? Customer Are we delivering value? Internal Processes Are we operating efficiently? Learning & Growth Is the team improving?

7. The RACI Matrix

Why it matters:
When everyone owns it, no one owns it. RACI fixes that.

Use it when:
Work is falling through the cracks or roles overlap.

Person A Person B Person C Person D
Task 1 R A C I
Task 2 I R A C
Task 3 A C R I
Task 4 I C A R
Responsible: Does the work
Accountable: Owns the outcome
Consulted: Provides input
Informed: Kept in the loop
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