In this episode of Inside the 90, Jami and Andrew unpack one of the most common questions they hear as EOS Implementers: “Why do some teams fail to get traction with EOS?” Drawing from Andrew’s experience with over 50 leadership teams, they identify the top three reasons companies struggle — lack of health and openness as a team, not using EOS tools to solve issues, and failing to run on one unified operating system. Through real-life examples and practical advice, they explore how teams can build trust, use EOS tools to find clarity, and fully commit to one framework to achieve true vision, traction, and health.
Key Topics:
- Why some EOS teams fail to gain traction.
- The difference between being smart and healthy as an organization.
- Vulnerability-based trust and team candor.
- Using EOS tools (VTO, Rocks, Scorecard, Accountability Chart, Meetings) to solve issues.
- Aligning on one operating system across all teams.
- Avoiding “halfway” EOS implementation.
- Tips for diagnosing team challenges and regaining momentum.
- EOS as a lifelong commitment, not a one-time event.
Chapters:
0:12 – Monday morning kickoff & clarity breaks.
1:12 – The question that started it all: “Why do some EOS teams fail?”
2:32 – Three main causes of EOS breakdowns.
3:00 – Defining “Smart” vs. “Healthy” organizations.
4:57 – Building trust and embracing vulnerability.
6:24 – Why honesty and candor drive accountability.8:19 – The courage to speak up and simplify communication.
8:50 – Challenge #2: Not using EOS tools to answer issues.
9:19 – Foundational EOS tools: VTO, Rocks, Scorecard, Meetings, Accountability Chart.
10:47 – Example: Sales-to-operations handoff issue.
12:14 – Discovering the root cause using proven and core processes.
13:39 – Using EOS tools to clarify, not complicate.
15:28 – Tracking issues through the Scorecard and VTO.
16:35 – Real story: Using the tools to find clarity.
17:55 – How flagship teams use EOS tools for great traction.
18:24 – Challenge #3: Running on multiple operating systems.
19:23 – Aligning EOS with Agile, Lean, or other frameworks.
21:42 – The “halfway” EOS problem: leadership only.
23:29 – Top-down vision vs. bottom-up execution.24:21 – Getting buy-in beyond the leadership team.
25:18 – How real teams embrace EOS company-wide.
26:16 – Reflections on team feedback and culture magic.
28:24 – When issues arise, the answers are in the tools.
29:48 – How to use the IDS process effectively.
31:16 – Diagnosing your team: three self-assessment questions.
32:57 – EOS as a lifelong operating system, not an event.
33:56 – Closing reflections and commitment to the process.