What is MOS?

A Management Operating System (often abbreviated "MOS") refers to the system of controls, communication and activity used to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Most often the MOS exists in a written form and is used to communicate to relevant stakeholders how an objective is being met.

Core elements of a Management Operating System

1. Communication Plan: The communication plan addresses both the meetings that will be a part of the effort as well as the reporting out functions. 
• Who will be invited to the meeting 
• When the meeting will happen 
• Roles of the people in the meeting
  
  
2. Key activities: These will vary depending on what you are trying to accomplish. 
• What the activity output is 
• What the time line for the activity is 
• Who is responsible for the activity 
  
  
3. Controls: How will you know if you are on track to be successful? 
• What are the KPI’s for the activity? 
• What are the current measures? 
• What actions are needed to address progress or lack of progress? 
  
  

Often the MOS serves as a governance plan and has an upward reporting component to communicate to management the kinds of activities that are underway to achieve a given outcome.