Turning strategy into how the business actually works

An operating model is more than just a simple organisational design; it integrates the various elements that must function together for an organisation to effectively execute its business strategy. This comprehensive perspective involves examining the business end-to-end: how it creates value for customers, determining where work should be done, identifying ownership, understanding the necessary capabilities, making informed decisions, and managing performance.  

Depending on the organisation and its specific challenges, the operating model can encompass:  

Customers and value — identifying the audience the organisation serves and what it must deliver for them.  

Capabilities — pinpointing what the organisation needs to excel at to successfully execute its business strategy.  

Governance — outlining how decisions, risks, and accountability are managed.  

Processes and hand-offs — ensuring work moves smoothly between different parts of the business, a key aspect of process improvement.  

Performance — establishing the measures, management rhythm, and conversations that keep the organisation aligned and focused.  

Ways of working — defining the behaviours, culture, and leadership essential to make the model work in practice.  

The aim is not to devise an overly complex theoretical framework; rather, it is to instil clarity regarding how the organisation must operate as a cohesive whole, often enhanced through targeted consulting services.