A State of the Company (SoC) meeting is one of the most powerful ways to get your Vision truly shared by all. It’s where the Leadership Team steps up to present one vision, speaks with one voice, and gets the entire organization rowing in the same direction.
Simply put, the SoC is a company-wide update on how you’re getting Traction on your Vision and where you’re headed next. It typically happens once per quarter, after the Leadership Team completes its Quarterly Session, and everyone is invited—from senior leaders to frontline team members.
Every company does its SoC a bit differently, but the feeling your employees must take away is: The Leadership Team has a plan, and I have a place.
The SoC Basics
Done right, a State of the Company meeting builds clarity, trust, and alignment. It should be concise enough to hold the attention of your employees and substantial enough to matter to them. Most EOS-run companies find that 20–40 minutes for a SoC is the sweet spot, especially when the meeting becomes a consistent, predictable event within your organization.
The SoC meeting can be conducted in person, virtually, or hybrid, depending on what suits your company, but a great presentation deck to walk attendees through the material is helpful no matter the format.
The SoC agenda should be roughly the same each Quarter and follow this cadence:
1. Where we’ve been
- Results of your most recently completed Company Rocks (done or not done?) and financial results and Measurables (met or not met?).
- Consider giving some historical perspective, like showing a V/TO™ from several years ago, to remind everyone what a long way you’ve come together!
2. Where we are
- Core Values Speech, either live or on video, often given by the Visionary or owner (you must repeat a version of this speech every quarter, as you can’t overcommunicate your Core Values!). Here are a few examples of Core Values Speeches done well.
- Update your team on the status of any big projects underway, such as new machinery, software installations, or critical customer initiatives.
- Recognize people and departments for achieving record numbers on Measurables or accomplishing key Rocks.
3. Where we’re going
- Review all parts of the V/TO™, with special focus on the new Rocks and any other updated sections.
- Check in on the current 1-Year Plan and how you’re progressing toward those 3-7 Goals (are we on-track or off-track?).
Now, make your SoC unforgettable!
Incorporating pieces of your company culture into the SoC meeting can be a meaningful way to customize it for your unique organization. Although it’s not necessary every quarter, some EOS-run companies choose to make the Annual SoC stand out from the other three with extra special elements.
For an unforgettable SoC with tons of “Wow!” factor, consider adding:
- Fun music
- Great food
- A cool venue
- Multiple leadership team speakers or a special featured guest speaker
- Photos/videos from the past quarter/year
- What the Heck is EOS? books to hand out
- Core Values Shout-outs or awards
- Matching t-shirts or other swag printed with Core Values, Core Focus, or 10 Year Target
- Founder’s story describing their “Why”
- Department recognition and awards
- Memorable opens and closes (maybe a balloon drop or a surprise performer!?)
- Feedback gathering device
You want everyone at the company to come away excited, able to easily see the Leadership Team’s Vision and want to be a part of it. Plan your next SoC meeting to align, energize and maybe even entertain your people a little, and watch it goes from basic to unforgettable!
About Kelly O’Donnell, Certified EOS Implementer
Kelly O’Donnell is a Certified EOS Implementer, helping entrepreneurial leadership teams gain traction toward their vision through accountability and discipline, and grow together in a healthy, cohesive way.
She has 20+ years of experience working with, and for, quickly scaling organizations, including 18 years as owner of a marketing and communications agency providing middle-market firms with fractional marketing leadership.
Start getting Traction on a shared Vision for your company by contacting Kelly at kelly.odonnell@eosworldwide.com or 248-760-8130.