3 Things to Consider When Setting EOS Rocks

Procrastination is human nature, especially with tasks that seem daunting or less urgent—like fixing a minor leak in the roof. However, when a storm hits, that minor leak becomes a major crisis, and a little inaction can rack up a major cost.

In the business world, this analogy rings true for projects and problems that are easy to sideline until they balloon into significant issues. EOS® Rocks are the solution to this predicament, serving as a strategic tool to prioritize and address your organization’s most critical needs before they escalate. By focusing on these key areas, you ensure your business not only maintains its foundation but also builds toward future success.

In this article, we’ll explore EOS Rocks and learn how to set Rocks that drive business growth.

What Are EOS Rocks?

In the EOS® model, Rocks are the most crucial priorities set to be accomplished within a quarter.

Consider the analogy of filling a jar with rocks, pebbles, and sand. The idea is that if you start with the sand (small tasks), you won’t have room for the rocks (big priorities).

Rocks are those big tasks that significantly impact your business but require more than a week to complete. They demand priority in your schedule. By setting, tracking, and completing these Rocks, everyone in the company aligns on what’s crucial, ensuring that these priorities are not lost amidst the day-to-day operations.

Reporting on these Rocks weekly during L10 meetings ensures they stay on track, aiming for an ideal 80% completion rate by quarter’s end.

3 Things to Consider When Setting EOS® Rocks:

The Needs of the Company:

Reflect on the challenges your business faced in the past quarter. What essential tasks, if completed, could solve these issues or prevent them in the future?

It’s crucial to translate these needs into actionable Rocks, whether improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, or implementing new technology. Remember, Rocks should directly contribute to solving your most pressing business problems or seizing opportunities that align with your long-term vision.

The Needs of the Team:

Prioritize company-wide Rocks first, then individual ones. Consider what each team member needs to succeed—be it resources, training, or specific projects. These personal Rocks can include professional development goals or initiatives that enhance team collaboration and productivity.

Encouraging team members to set and own their Rocks fosters a culture of accountability and growth, directly contributing to the company’s overall success.

Your Quarterly Goals:

Aligning Rocks with your quarterly business goals ensures that every effort is strategically aimed at achieving your vision. This alignment requires a clear understanding of your business objectives and the strategic steps necessary to reach them.

Brainstorming sessions with your team can generate valuable insights, turning abstract goals into concrete Rocks that pave the way for success.

Prioritize and Power Ahead

Implementing Rocks is a straightforward yet transformative aspect of the EOS® process. By setting the right priorities, you’ll never again see the end of a quarter with the most important work left undone.

The challenge lies in identifying the right Rocks for the right people and aligning them with your business’s goals and timeline. To get the most out of your Rocks, consider partnering with a Certified EOS Implementer®. These professionals specialize in navigating the Rock planning process, ensuring that Rocks are not only set but are meaningful, achievable, and aligned with your overarching goals. Together, you can leverage EOS®️ Rocks to transform your business, quarter by quarter, into a more focused, efficient, and goal-oriented organization.