The Executive Operating System

Even strong teams drift. Not because they are careless. Because the business moves faster than the team’s shared meaning.

An Executive Operating System is not a document. It is a set of cadences that produce alignment repeatedly, under pressure.

Here are five cadences that consistently reduce drift and increase decision velocity.

1) Outcome Cadence

A weekly review that answers: What are we trying to make true, and what moved?

2) Decision Cadence

A simple system for capturing decisions, rationale, owner, and revisit criteria. This is the antidote to reopens.

3) Priority Protection Cadence

A recurring moment to defend focus. This is where you say no, explicitly, to protect execution.

4) Operating Friction Cadence

A place to name the one friction that is costing you. The goal is not therapy. The goal is removing recurring drag.

5) Leadership Development Cadence

Not training. Practice. A loop that converts one leadership skill into a consistent behavior across the team.

The Coaching Move

If your team only does alignment when something is broken, you will keep paying the same tax. Cadence is what makes alignment durable.

Cadence Health Check

Score each item 0, 1, or 2.

1. We review outcomes weekly, not just activity.
2. Decisions are captured and searchable.
3. Tradeoffs are made visible, not assumed.
4. We address one operating friction consistently.
5. We practice leadership behaviors, not just discuss them.