Introduction – "Not another TOM deck…"
We’ve all seen them. Those Target Operating Model (TOM) decks that look like they belong in an art gallery. Glossy diagrams, flashy arrows, vague “value chains”… and zero chance of getting implemented.
Let’s be realmost of what passes as a TOM is just marketecture (yep, marketing + architecture). It’s pretty, but pointless.
So how do you build a TOM that’s actually useful—one that leads to real change, real results, and (shock horror) actually gets used?
I’m going to walk you through the exact process we use at HOBA Tech. It’s the same framework that’s been used by the UK Government and 100+ companies around the world.
If you’re new to transformation, or just tired of buzzwords, this is for you.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- Project Overview: A TOM That Actually Works
- Step-by-Step: The 6 Steps to Building a Real TOM
- Step 1: FOCUS – Why are we doing this?
- Step 2: CONTROL – Who’s involved?
- Step 3: ANALYSE – What’s broken?
- Step 4: EVALUATE – Why change now?
- Step 5: DESIGN – Where & how do we want to work?
- Step 6: IMPLEMENT – When does it all happen?
- Tips to Make the Process More Efficient
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Conclusion: No More TOM-Fluff
- Want Help Building Yours?
Let’s break it down, step by step.👇
Project Overview: A TOM That Actually Works
First, let’s get on the same page.
A Target Operating Model (TOM) is basically a blueprint of how your business will run in the future. But it’s not just a pretty picture. It needs to include:
- People
- Processes
- Systems
- Governance
- Benefits
- Timing
And here’s the kicker—building a TOM is not random. It’s a process. There are 6 steps. Each step answers a strategic question (think: who, what, where, when, why, how).
We align each step to one of the 6 HOBA® reference models. Here’s how it works:
Don't have the time? Want to read this later? No problem, download our guide and read it later!
- Dive into our comprehensive guide
- Compare & choose the best for you
🔍 Step-by-Step: The 6 Steps to Building a Real TOM
🥇 Step 1: FOCUS – Why are we doing this?
Before anything else, you need to get crystal clear on the vision. Why are you changing? What’s the end game?
- Strategic Question: “Why are we transforming?”
- HOBA Reference Model: Business Motivation Model
- Output: Clear goals, drivers, and success criteria
👥 Step 2: CONTROL – Who’s involved?
Who’s impacted? Who makes decisions? Who signs things off?
- Strategic Question: “Who is involved?”
- HOBA Reference Model: Governance Model
- Output: Roles, responsibilities, decision-making rules
🔎 Step 3: ANALYSE – What’s broken?
This is the “lift the hood” moment. What problems and opportunities exist in the current operating model?
- Strategic Question: “What do we need to fix?”
- HOBA Reference Model: Current Operating Model
- Output: Gaps, pain points, current state mapping
📈 Step 4: EVALUATE – Why change now?
Here’s the second “why.” Not the strategic one, but the operational one. What’s the business case for changing?
- Strategic Question: “Why change (at the operations level)?”
- HOBA Reference Model: Benefits Model
- Output: Business benefits, KPIs, value drivers
🧭 Step 5: DESIGN – Where & how do we want to work?
Now it’s time to design the TOM—your future state. Where do you want the business to go, and how will it operate?
- Strategic Question: “Where and how will we operate?”
- HOBA Reference Model: Target Operating Model
- Output: TOM blueprints, capability and process maps
📅 Step 6: IMPLEMENT – When does it all happen?
Finally—bring it to life! Define when changes will happen, in what order, and how you’ll measure success.
- Strategic Question: “When will it happen?”
- HOBA Reference Model: Roadmap Model
- Output: Transition plan, implementation roadmap, milestones
👏 "Most Target Operating Models are just PowerPoint theatre — pretty but pointless. If it can’t be implemented, it’s not a TOM. It’s marketecture". 🎭 #BusinessTransformation #TargetOperatingModel #HOBA #DigitalTransformation #Agile 🚫
⚡ Tips to Make the Process More Efficient
Want to avoid weeks (or months) of wheel-spinning? Try this:
- Start with the end in mind – Don’t just “analyse” for fun. Know what decisions you need to make.
- Involve the business early – It’s their model too, not just IT’s playground.
- Use reference models – Don’t reinvent the wheel. HOBA gives you a head start.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the pros mess this up. Don’t be that guy (or gal):
- Overanalyzing the current state – You don’t need 400 process maps before you design.
- Leaving out stakeholders – If people don’t feel heard, they’ll quietly sabotage the change.
- Delivering “strategy slides” only – Pretty PowerPoints don’t transform businesses. Plans do.
✅ Conclusion: No More TOM-Fluff
The TOM isn’t a concept. It’s a plan. A practical, step-by-step way to move from where you are now to where you need to be. And it works—when you follow the process.
With HOBA’s 6 steps, you answer the right questions, in the right order, and build a TOM that’s built to transform—not to impress.
📣 Want Help Building Yours?
✅ Read our international bestseller – The Business Transformation Playbook
🎓 Start our training – Intro to Agile Business Transformation
📞 Book a free discovery call – Schedule here
📥 Or download our free TOM checklist + blueprint templates
Let’s turn your TOM into more than a marketing asset. Let’s make it your transformation engine. 🔧
👏 "Technology-led 'transformations' fail because they ignore the business. A real TOM starts with strategy, not systems. #EnterpriseArchitecture 💡 #HOBA #AgileBusiness #TOM #TransformationFails ⚠️
Looking for the Best Training to deliver your Business Transformation? Search no more!
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Risk FREE
👏 “Transformation isn’t random. It’s a process. 6 steps. 6 models. 6 questions. That’s how you build a Target Operating Model that actually gets delivered." 🚀 #AgileTransformation #HOBAFramework #BusinessArchitecture #TOM #Leadership
About HOBA Tech
If this resonated with you, discover how to make Business Transformation a reality—with less stress, fewer resources, and faster results. Explore our award-winning agile Business Transformation Framework, trusted by organizations worldwide, from the UK Government and FTSE-100 companies to innovative start-ups. Ready to begin your transformation journey? Start here.
Curious why The Business Transformation Playbook is hailed as the “Business Transformation Bible”? See what readers are saying in the Amazon reviews.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments what stood out to you or what topics you’d like us to cover next. If you found this valuable, share it with others who could benefit!
Thank you for reading, and here’s to your transformation success!
Sincerely,
Heath Gascoigne
P.S. If you want to join our Business Transformator community of 2,000+ like-minded Business Transformators, join the community on the Business Transformator Facebook Group here.
P.P.S. If you want to learn more about business transformation, check out The Business Transformation Playbook.
