Add-ons to the book
There is only so much you can include in a book. Sometimes, an add-on is the best way to provide additional depth or practical guidance. That’s why we have created two add-ons to accompany our book. We hope you find them useful:
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Crosslinx frameworks examples
The Crosslinx framework is our approach to creating a holistic and shared understanding of how an organisation creates value—whether it is a start-up, a scale-up or a multinational. Here, we provide a selection of examples to complement the ideas and concepts presented in the book. -
Operating Model Element Repository template
A critical step in designing and managing your operating model is having an up-to-date overview of its key elements and components. This template is the basic Excel version we use as a starting point in our client engagements. It provides a practical way to capture, structure and maintain an overview of your organisation’s operating model elements.
Why this book?
We, the authors, have never been particularly drawn to discussions about defining the next strategy. It simply isn’t where our passion lies. What fascinates us is what comes next:
- How do you turn strategy into action?
- How do you make it work in the day-to-day reality of an organisation?
- And how do you build teams that can consistently deliver?
In 2017, when we became colleagues at INNOPAY (now an Oliver Wyman company), we connected over a shared vision of what organisations need to thrive. Drawing on our experience and our work together on multiple client assignments, we gradually refined our perspective on strategy execution and operating models.
It took a few years—and a few career changes—to turn that perspective into a book. We did so because we believe more organisations should understand the critical role their operating model plays in turning strategy into results.
And now, it is here: a hands-on guide to operating model design and management. No longer exclusively for our clients, but a book for every organisation that wants to turn its strategy into lasting results.
When we wrote this book, we made a conscious decision to focus on the fundamentals and principles of the framework and approach we use with our clients. We wanted to make our experience and knowledge accessible and practical, without turning the book into an endless manual.
We present our knowledge in the book as a 'set of building blocks' that you can apply and adapt to your own organisation and context. There is no single recipe for success—every organisation is different. But these building blocks provide a strong starting point and can help you navigate the complexity of operating model design and management.
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The conversation doesn’t end with the book. Operating models continue to evolve as organisations respond to new technologies, changing customer expectations and new ways of working. Through this website, we share our latest thinking, insights and perspectives on operating model design and management.