Jim Collins’ Good to Great taught us that “Good is the enemy of Great.” That principle applies not only to companies—but also to the operating systems they use to run them.
EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System) is a good system. It brings clarity, structure, and discipline to organizations that need to get control. But Pinnacle® is built for companies ready to go from good to great—by aligning not just on execution, but on deeper strategy, momentum, and people development.
Here’s how Pinnacle stacks up against EOS using five key principles from Good to Great.
1. Level 5 Leadership: Pinnacle Builds Leaders, Not Just Managers
Good to Great teaches that great companies are led by “Level 5 Leaders”—those who blend humility with fierce resolve. While EOS helps leaders run better meetings and hold people accountable, Pinnacle equips them to coach and develop their team through tools like the Talent Matrix and Coach ‘Em Up framework.
Pinnacle is focused on building leaders, not just enforcing structure.
2. First Who, Then What: Deeper People Tools for the Right Seats
Both EOS and Pinnacle value “right people in the right seats.” But Pinnacle goes further with nuanced tools to assess, develop, and coach talent—not just score them on values and performance.
Where EOS may stop at the People Analyzer, Pinnacle gives you tools to level up your team, not just swap them out.
3. The Hedgehog Concept: Strategy That Sharpens Your Focus
Collins’ Hedgehog Concept is about the intersection of what you’re best at, most passionate about, and what drives your economic engine. Pinnacle’s Strategic Vision & Execution Plan (SVEP) brings this to life by helping teams identify their Core Focus, Profit Per X, and Flywheel—so they win with clarity.
EOS stops at “Vision Traction.” Pinnacle gives you strategic positioning.
4. The Flywheel: Creating Compounding Momentum
One of the most iconic concepts from Good to Great is the Flywheel—the idea that momentum builds through a consistent series of actions done well over time.
Only Pinnacle integrates Flywheel Thinking. Teams identify and align around the specific actions that, when repeated, build unstoppable momentum. EOS doesn’t include this—leaving many teams spinning their wheels.
5. Culture of Discipline: Rhythm That Drives Execution
Great companies operate with disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action. EOS introduces structure with its Level 10 meeting cadence. But Pinnacle expands that structure into a complete execution rhythm across weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cycles—matched to strategic priorities.
It’s not just meetings. It’s momentum by design.
Good Gets You There. Great Takes You Further.
- EOS is a great starting system—especially for organizations needing control and clarity. But if you’re ready to:
- Scale with a clear, competitive strategy
- Build a culture of leadership and coaching
- Drive profit through modern financial tools
- And create long-term momentum
…then it’s time to move from Good to Great—with Pinnacle.
Hit reply, and let’s talk about what that move could look like for your business.
Talk soon,
Steve Burnett
Pinnacle Business Guide
Helping business owners align their team around vision, strategy, and execution–with accountability that drives growth.
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