In the EOS framework, a core process is a set of essential activities that help your business run smoothly and consistently. These are not just tasks; they are high-level workflows that drive results across teams.
EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System®) teaches that every well-run business has 6 to 10 core processes. These include functions like hiring, onboarding, sales, operations, and customer service. Documenting and following these processes is key to achieving long-term traction and scalability.
Why Core Processes Matter
Many businesses operate with undocumented routines or rely too much on key people. While it is true that there are businesses that at least feel as though they thrive on chaos, the truth is this creates confusion, inconsistency, and risk. EOS helps businesses solve this by identifying and documenting their core processes.
When you clearly define how your company works, you:
- Deliver consistent results
- Train new team members faster
- Scale without chaos
- Reduce mistakes and miscommunication
In fact, understanding and owning your processes is one of the biggest factors in achieving operational efficiency.
What Counts as a Core Process?
Not everything in your business is a core process. EOS focuses only on the most important ones—the ones that make your business work at a high level. Here are common examples:
| Core Process | Description |
|---|---|
| HR/People | How you recruit, hire, onboard, and manage employees |
| Sales | Your sales approach from lead to close |
| Marketing | How you generate leads and build brand awareness |
| Operations | The core of how you deliver your product or service |
| Customer Experience | How you support and retain clients |
| Finance | Your billing, invoicing, and financial reporting systems |
It is not uncommon for different companies to have different names for these processes, but the overall function stays the same.
How EOS Helps You Document Core Processes
EOS recommends a simple approach: document at a high level, and make sure the entire team follows the same steps. It’s called the “Followed By All” rule. This method ensures a high degree of consistency across the board, leaving you with an approach that has quantifiable results from worker to worker.
You don’t need to write a detailed manual. Instead, focus on the major steps that deliver a consistent result. Each process should answer:
- What is the outcome of this process?
- What are the 5–7 key steps?
- Who owns the process?
You can build these into your Accountability Chart so every leader is responsible for maintaining their process.
When to Create EOS Core Processes
Core processes should be created after you’ve defined your vision and structure. If you’re still aligning your team, you may want to start with the Vision/Traction Organizer. Having a unified vision is the key to uniting all members of your team.
Once your company is aligned, you can focus on documenting core processes. Many businesses choose to create their processes during the first 90 days with a Fractional COO or Integrator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
EOS is all about simplicity and clarity. When documenting your core processes, avoid:
- Overcomplicating with too many steps or details
- Trying to include everything in one document
- Skipping team involvement
- Writing and forgetting—processes should be used and updated
If you’re unsure where to start, it may help to work with a fractional COO who specializes in EOS. With their experience-based expertise, they can not only walk you and your employees through the EOS process, they can give you a reasonable idea of what results to expect from adopting the process.
Who Owns the Core Processes?
Each core process must have an owner. This person is responsible for making sure the process is followed and updated. Ownership should align with your EOS Accountability Chart.
For example:
- The Head of Sales owns the Sales Process
- The Operations Manager owns the Delivery Process
- The Integrator often oversees all process owners
By clearly defining the owner of each process you are instilling an important sense of responsibility and, eventually, pride in the members of your organization. This responsibility and pride go hand-in-hand in improving the performance of each of your employees, strengthening the company as a whole.
How Core Processes Support Traction
Traction happens when your team executes consistently. Without documented processes, it’s hard to measure success or identify issues. Core processes help with:
- Faster onboarding
- Better performance reviews
- Clearer expectations across departments
- Stronger accountability at every level
As mentioned in our guide on EOS Core Values, these processes also reflect your company culture when built correctly.
Final Thoughts
EOS core processes are the backbone of operational consistency. They help you scale without losing control. They also give your team the tools to work smarter, not harder.
If your company is growing fast or struggling with alignment, now is the time to document and simplify. Whether you do it yourself or easily aquire a fractional COO today, your processes will shape your future growth.
EOS gives you the structure while your core processes bring it to life.
