If you’re struggling to get your leadership team aligned and your business organized, you’re not alone. The statistics paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing business leaders today:
- Only 1 in 3 major change initiatives fully meet their goals
- Only 7% of workers agree that communication at their business is open, timely, and reliable
The EOS Solution
Getting started with EOS® but feeling overwhelmed by all the tools and templates you need? Most businesses interested in implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System face the same challenge: EOS resources are scattered across different formats, often cost money, and can feel daunting to set up.
That’s why we created a comprehensive, free Google Sheet template that includes core EOS tools in one organized, easy-to-use format. Whether you’re just exploring EOS or ready to dive into implementation, this template gives you everything you need to get started—without the complexity or cost.
Microsoft shop? So are we! You can download the Google Sheet Template as an XLSX file to open and start building it out in Excel.
Access the template here or read on for more guidance.
Table of Contents
- What is the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)?
- Why Start with a Google Sheet Template?
- Complete EOS Tools Included in Our Template
- How to Get Started with Your EOS Implementation
- Common EOS Implementation Challenges and Solutions
- When to Upgrade from Templates to EOS Software
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)?
The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is a proven business framework outlined by Gino Wickman in his book Traction that helps small-to-medium businesses (typically 10-250 employees) gain clarity, focus, and traction. Unlike complex management theories, EOS provides simple, practical tools that address the real challenges entrepreneurs face every day.
EOS is built on Six Key Components that every successful business must strengthen:
- Vision: Getting everyone 100% on the same page about where you’re going
- People: Having the right people in the right seats
- Data: Using key metrics to make objective decisions
- Issues: Solving problems at the root cause level
- Process: Documenting and following core business processes
- Traction: Bringing focus and discipline to execution
With over 100,000 companies worldwide using EOS the system has proven its effectiveness across industries. Companies implementing EOS report impressive results: one company reports that they tripled profitability after EOS implementation, and that result is far from an outlier. In fact, we built and sold a profitable software company prior to Strety, and have the EOS framework to thank.
The framework helps businesses achieve better team alignment, increased accountability, clearer communication, and sustainable growth. Most importantly, EOS provides the structure and tools to move from working in your business to working on your business.
The beauty of EOS lies in its simplicity—it doesn’t require expensive consultants or complex software to get started. You can begin implementing EOS tools immediately with the right templates and commitment from your leadership team.
Eager to start? Download our free EOS implementation template here and begin transforming your business today.
Why Start with a Google Sheet Template?
Before investing in dedicated EOS software, starting with a Google Sheet template offers several compelling advantages for businesses exploring the Entrepreneurial Operating System:
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness: Our template is completely free and cloud-based, requiring no software installation or subscription fees. This makes it perfect for startups and growing businesses that want to test EOS concepts without financial commitment.
Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple team members can access and edit the template simultaneously, making it ideal for leadership teams working remotely or across different locations. Changes are saved automatically, ensuring everyone always has the most current information.
Flexibility and Customization: Google Sheets allows you to modify the template to fit your specific business needs. You can add industry-specific metrics, adjust meeting formats, or customize terminology while maintaining the core EOS structure.
Low-Risk Trial Period: Starting with a free template lets you experiment with EOS tools and processes before committing to a full implementation. You can determine which tools work best for your team and identify potential challenges early in the process.
Easy Data Migration: When you’re ready to upgrade to dedicated EOS software, the data in your Google Sheet is already centralized, organized and ready to move into your EOS software tools. This ensures you don’t lose any historical information or progress tracking.
The Google Sheet format also provides excellent integration capabilities with other business tools your team may already be using, from project management software to CRM systems.
Complete EOS Tools Included in Our Template
Our comprehensive Google Sheet template includes five essential EOS tools, each in its own dedicated tab. This organized approach keeps all your EOS implementation materials in one convenient location while maintaining the distinct functionality of each tool.
Get instant access to all five tools: Download the complete EOS template here and start organizing your business in minutes.
Level 10 Meeting™ Template Tab
The Level 10 Meeting is the heartbeat of EOS implementation—a weekly 90-minute leadership team meeting designed to keep everyone aligned and focused on the most important issues facing your business.
What it includes: The template provides a structured agenda that covers five key components: Scorecard review (5 minutes), Rock updates (5 minutes), To-Do list review (5 minutes), Issues list (60 minutes), and Conclusion (5 minutes). This format ensures meetings stay productive and focused on solving problems rather than just sharing information.
How to use the template: Start by scheduling weekly meetings at the same time each week—consistency is crucial. Use the template to track attendance, record Scorecard numbers, update Rock progress, and most importantly, identify and solve Issues using the EOS Issue Solving Track (Identify, Discuss, Solve). The template includes space for action items and their due dates.
Rocks™ Template Tab
Rocks are your company’s most important priorities for the next 90 days. The concept comes from Stephen Covey’s analogy about fitting rocks, pebbles, and sand in a jar—you must put the big rocks in first.
What it includes: The template helps you set 3-7 quarterly priorities at both the company and individual level. Each Rock should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (aka be SMART goals). The template includes columns for Rock description, owner, target completion date, and weekly progress updates.
How to use the template: During quarterly planning sessions, work with your leadership team to identify your most critical 90-day objectives. Assign clear ownership for each Rock and establish specific completion criteria. Review Rock progress weekly during Level 10 Meetings, updating completion percentages and addressing any obstacles.
Common mistakes to avoid: Setting too many Rocks (stick to 3-7), making them too vague (“improve customer service” vs. “implement customer survey system with 90% response rate”), or failing to assign clear ownership. Aim for 80% completion of your Rocks each quarter—this indicates you’re setting appropriately challenging goals.
Scorecard™ Template Tab
Your EOS Scorecard is a weekly dashboard of 5-15 key performance indicators (KPIs) that give you the pulse of your business. These are the numbers that, when tracked consistently, predict future success or problems.
What it includes: The template provides space for your most important business metrics, with columns for target ranges and weekly actual numbers.
How to use the template: Start by identifying metrics that are leading indicators (predict future performance) rather than just lagging indicators (show what already happened). Examples include sales calls made, website traffic, cash flow, customer satisfaction scores, or production efficiency. Enter actual numbers weekly and review trends during Level 10 Meetings.
Key principle: Focus on metrics that are true indicators of business health and that your team can actually influence. The Scorecard should tell a story about your business performance and help you spot issues before they become major problems.
Accountability Chart™ Template Tab
The Accountability Chart goes beyond traditional organizational charts by focusing on seats (roles) rather than people, and clearly defining the key responsibilities for each position.
What it includes: The template helps you map your organizational structure with three key responsibilities listed for each seat. It includes space for evaluating whether each person Gets it (understands the role), Wants it (desires the responsibility), and has the Capacity to do it (possesses the skills and bandwidth)—known as GWC assessment.
How to use the template: Begin by identifying all the seats needed to run your business effectively, regardless of who currently fills them. Define three key responsibilities for each seat—these should be broad accountability areas, not detailed job descriptions. Then evaluate each person against their seat using the GWC criteria.
Strategic value: This tool helps you identify organizational gaps, redundancies, and misalignments. It’s particularly valuable for planning growth, as you can design the organization you need and then hire the right people for the right seats. The ultimate goal is having the right people in the right seats throughout your organization.
V/TO™ (Vision/Traction Organizer) Template Tab
The V/TO is EOS’s one-page strategic plan that captures your company’s vision and creates a roadmap for achieving it. This powerful tool keeps your entire organization aligned around a shared vision.
What it includes: The template guides you through eight fundamental questions: Core Values (what you stand for), Core Focus (your niche and purpose), 10-Year Target (your long-term vision), Marketing Strategy (who you serve and why), 3-Year Picture (your mid-term goals), 1-Year Plan (annual priorities), Quarterly Rocks (90-day focuses), and Issues List (obstacles to address).
How to use the template: Plan for 2-3 leadership team sessions to complete your first V/TO. Start with Core Values and Core Focus—these foundational elements inform all other decisions. Work through each section methodically, aiming for 80% clarity rather than perfection. The V/TO becomes your primary communication tool for sharing vision throughout your organization.
Implementation tip: Once completed, use your V/TO for quarterly planning sessions, new employee orientation, and strategic decision-making. It should be a living document that guides daily decisions and keeps everyone focused on what matters most.
How to Get Started with Your EOS Implementation
Successfully implementing EOS with our template requires a systematic approach. Follow these six steps to establish a strong foundation for your EOS journey:
Step 1: Download and Set Up the Template
Access our free Google Sheet template and make a copy for your organization. Share it with your leadership team members, giving them edit permissions. Take time to explore each tab and understand the structure before diving into implementation.
Step 2: Start with the V/TO™
Begin your EOS implementation by scheduling a leadership team session focused on completing your Vision/Traction Organizer. Work through the eight questions systematically, starting with Core Values and Core Focus. Don’t aim for perfection—get to 80% clarity first, then refine over time.
Step 3: Establish Your Scorecard™
Identify 5-15 key metrics that truly indicate your business health. These should be numbers you can track weekly and that predict future performance. Set realistic target ranges and begin entering actual data immediately. Remember, consistency in tracking is more important than perfection in metric selection.
Step 4: Set Your First Rocks™
Choose 3-7 quarterly priorities that will have the biggest impact on your business. Assign clear ownership for each Rock and make them specific and measurable. These should be your “big rocks”—the priorities that matter most for the next 90 days.
Step 5: Begin Level 10 Meetings™
Schedule weekly 90-minute leadership meetings and commit to the format. Follow the template agenda strictly during your first several meetings to establish the rhythm. Focus on solving Issues, not just reporting status. Make these meetings sacred—no exceptions for attendance.
Step 6: Create Your Accountability Chart™
Map your current organizational structure, identifying all necessary seats regardless of who fills them. Define three key responsibilities for each seat and evaluate whether each person Gets it, Wants it, and has the Capacity for their role. Use this tool to plan necessary organizational changes.
Common EOS Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Even with the best intentions and tools, EOS implementation can present challenges. Here are the most common obstacles and proven solutions:
Challenge: Team Resistance to New Meeting Structure
Many teams initially resist the Level 10 Meeting format, viewing it as just another meeting that takes time away from “real work.”
Solution: Start with shorter 60-minute meetings to build comfort with the format. Clearly explain the purpose and benefits of structured meetings. Show rather than tell by demonstrating how the format solves real issues and improves team communication. Celebrate early wins and improvements in team alignment.
Challenge: Too Many Rocks or Metrics
Teams often try to track everything, leading to overwhelm and lack of focus on what truly matters.
Solution: Embrace the “less is more” principle. Limit Rocks to 3-7 per quarter and Scorecard metrics to 5-15 total. Focus on the vital few rather than the trivial many. Aim for 80% completion of Rocks—if you’re consistently hitting 100%, your Rocks aren’t challenging enough.
Challenge: Inconsistent Meeting Attendance
When leadership team members skip Level 10 Meetings, momentum dies and accountability suffers.
Solution: Make Level 10 Meetings sacred with no exceptions. Schedule them at a time when all leadership team members can consistently attend. Consider these meetings as important as customer meetings—because they are. Address attendance issues directly and immediately.
Challenge: Vague or Unmeasurable Goals
Teams often set Rocks and metrics that sound good but aren’t specific enough to drive action or measure progress.
Solution: Apply SMART criteria rigorously—goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Instead of “improve customer service,” use “implement customer survey system achieving 90% response rate by quarter end.” Assign clear ownership and completion criteria for every Rock.
Remember: EOS implementation is a journey, not a destination. Focus on progress, not perfection, and be patient with the process. Most teams see significant improvements within the first quarter of consistent implementation.
Start your EOS journey now: Get the free template and take the first step toward better business organization and team alignment.
When to Upgrade from Templates to EOS Software
While our Google Sheet template provides an excellent foundation for EOS implementation, there comes a time when dedicated EOS software becomes valuable. Here’s how to know when you’re ready to make the transition:
Signs You’re Ready for EOS Software:
- You’ve consistently used the template for 1+ quarters
- Your team has fully adopted the Level 10 Meeting rhythm
- You’re tracking multiple Scorecards across different departments
- Manual data entry and reporting is becoming time-consuming
- You need better integration with other business systems
- You want advanced analytics and historical trending
Benefits of Dedicated EOS Software: Automation eliminates manual data entry and provides real-time dashboards. Advanced reporting capabilities offer insights into trends and patterns. Integration with existing business tools streamlines workflows. Enhanced collaboration features support larger teams and multiple locations.
Popular EOS Software Categories: All-in-one EOS platforms offer comprehensive tools for larger organizations. Meeting-focused tools specialize in Level 10 Meeting management. Scorecard-specific solutions excel at metrics tracking and reporting. Project management tools with EOS features provide familiar interfaces with EOS functionality.
Transition Strategy: When you’re ready to upgrade, export your historical data from the Google Sheet template. Look for software that can import your existing information to maintain continuity. Plan the transition during a quarter break to minimize disruption to your EOS rhythm.
Strety as Your Next Step: Strety is designed specifically as the best EOS software for business operators. It provides the automation and integration benefits of dedicated software while maintaining the simplicity and flexibility that made your template successful. With Strety, you can seamlessly transition from manual tracking to automated workflows without losing the momentum you’ve built.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does EOS implementation take? Initial setup with our template can be completed in 1-2 quarters, but full EOS implementation typically takes 2-3 years depending on your team size and commitment to the process. However, you’ll start seeing benefits within the first quarter of consistent use. The key is building momentum through regular Level 10 Meetings and quarterly Rock completion.
Can we modify the template for our industry? Absolutely! The template is fully customizable to fit your specific industry and business needs. You can adjust metrics for industry-specific KPIs, modify terminology to match your company culture, and add sections relevant to your business model. The important thing is maintaining the core EOS principles while adapting the tools to your context.
What if our team is remote? Google Sheets works perfectly for remote teams, providing real-time collaboration from anywhere. Conduct Level 10 Meetings via video conferencing, keeping the same structure and timing. The cloud-based nature of the template actually provides advantages for remote teams, ensuring everyone has access to the same current information regardless of location.
How often should we update our V/TO? Review your V/TO annually at minimum, with quarterly refinements as needed. Your Core Values and Core Focus should rarely change, while your 3-Year Picture and 1-Year Plan may need adjustments as your business evolves. Use major business pivots or market changes as opportunities to revisit and update your V/TO.
What’s the difference between this template and paid EOS tools? Our template requires manual data entry and updates. Paid tools offer automation, advanced reporting, and integrations but follow the same EOS principles. The template is perfect for getting started and testing EOS concepts, while software becomes valuable as you scale and need more sophisticated features.
How do we handle resistance from team members? It’s not always easy to get your team on the same page, but it’s worth it. Start with your leadership team and focus on demonstrating value through consistent use. Show how EOS tools solve real problems and improve communication. Be patient but persistent—change takes time. Consider bringing in an EOS Implementer for training if resistance continues, but often seeing results from consistent template use is the best way to overcome skepticism.
Ready to Transform Your Business with EOS?
The Entrepreneurial Operating System has helped over 100,000 companies worldwide achieve clarity, focus, and traction. Our free Google Sheet template gives you everything you need to start your EOS journey today—without the complexity or cost of premium software.
Get started now:
- Access our free EOS implementation template here
- Schedule your first leadership team session to complete the V/TO
- Begin weekly Level 10 Meetings using the structured format
- Track your progress and celebrate early wins
Ready to take your EOS implementation to the next level? When you’re ready to move beyond templates, Strety provides the perfect bridge to advanced EOS functionality. With advanced workflows that integrate EOS into all aspects of your business, real-time dashboards, and seamless integrations, Strety helps growing businesses scale their EOS implementation effectively.
Try Strety free for 30 days or connect with our team to discover how running EOS on Strety can accelerate your business growth.
Remember: the best EOS system is the one you actually use consistently. Start with our template, build momentum with your team, and enjoy the journey toward a more organized, focused, and successful business.