How to Govern and Sustain Your Management Operating System

In a tight labour market characterized by an ageing workforce and a high churn rate, transitioning from a people-run to a process-run business becomes critical. A pivotal way to achieve this transition is through a Management Operating System (MOS). While our previous article detailed the MOS, this piece concentrates on governing and sustaining it, ensuring its continuity and effectiveness, even as leadership changes.

1. Standardisation: The Foundation of MOS

Standardisation is key to a successful MOS. It involves establishing a consistent and best practice standard across all elements of MOS, supported by leadership, cultural behaviours, and coaching. This process transforms MOS from a mere collection of activities to a fundamental way of working. By embedding this standardisation, MOS evolves, seamlessly integrating into daily operations. Standardisation not only ensures consistency but also fosters a culture of reliability and predictability in business processes.

2. Accountability and Alignment: The Cornerstone of Effective MOS

Effective MOS governance hinges on Operations MOS with the Corporate MOS Standard. Clear accountability, tailored to each organizational level, ensures adherence to established standards. This alignment facilitates the standardisation of implementation and operational procedures within the MOS framework. It is crucial that every team member understands their role in this ecosystem, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

3. The Role of Audit in MOS

Auditing is an integral part of MOS governance. A well-structured audit system, encompassing self, peer, and third-party assessments, provides measurable and reportable insights. This system supports leaders in transitioning from mere implementation to continuous improvement of their MOS, ensuring each element meets the required standards. Regular audits help identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the MOS remains effective and efficient.

4. Continuous Improvement: The Evolving Nature of MOS

The MOS must be adaptable, evolving with identified improvements and changing business needs. This is supported by the Operations teams and a company-wide MOS Community of Practice, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation. The practice of continuous improvement is not just a procedural activity; it's a mindset that should be ingrained within the company culture.

MOS Governance Elements: A Deeper Dive

1. MOS Design and Ownership: This element focuses on the clear organisational accountability for designing, implementing, and executing an integrated set of MOS processes. Success is achieved when MOS processes are consistently applied, documented, and evolved based on feedback. This design and ownership ensure that MOS is not just a set of guidelines but a living framework that adapts and grows with the organization.
2. MOS Document: The MOS Document ensures all departmental MOS artefacts and processes are securely stored and easily retrievable. This live document is continuously updated to reflect improvements, maintaining the relevance and efficacy of the MOS. The document acts as a central repository, promoting transparency and accessibility.
3. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defined roles and responsibilities are essential. This involves integrating MOS accountabilities into job descriptions, ensuring every employee understands their role in the MOS framework. This clarity helps eliminate confusion and overlaps in responsibilities, leading to more efficient operations.
4. MOS Confirmation (Visible Felt Leadership): This element ensures consistent execution of MOS practices. Leaders observe and coach employees, using MOS confirmation data for performance reviews and continuous improvement. This hands-on approach by leaders not only reinforces the importance of MOS practices but also provides valuable insights into real-world application challenges and successes.
5. MOS Effectiveness KPIs: These KPIs monitor the health of the MOS and support timely corrective actions. They consist of lagging and leading measures, reviewed regularly by leadership to drive improvements and collaboration across departments. The KPIs serve as a vital tool for measuring success and identifying areas for improvement.
6. MOS Maturity Assessment: This involves periodic assessments to ensure the effectiveness of MOS practices and processes. Regular discussions, leadership input, and management of improvement actions contribute to the continuous evolution of MOS practices. These assessments provide a structured approach to evaluating the maturity and effectiveness of MOS across the organization.

Governing and sustaining a Management Operating System is an ongoing journey, not a destination. It requires commitment, adaptability, and continuous improvement. By embracing these principles and elements, leaders can embed MOS into their corporate DNA, making it a natural and effective way of working that drives business success. This approach not only ensures operational excellence but also prepares the organization to face future challenges and seize opportunities in an ever-changing business environment.