How to Build a Target Operating Model (TOM) That Actually Works

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:

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:

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!

🔍 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?

👥 Step 2: CONTROL – Who’s involved?

Who’s impacted? Who makes decisions? Who signs things off?

🔎 Step 3: ANALYSE – What’s broken?

This is the “lift the hood” moment. What problems and opportunities exist in the current operating model?

📈 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?

🧭 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?

📅 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.

👏 "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 🚫

Heath Gascoigne Tweet

⚡ 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 ⚠️

Heath Gascoigne Tweet

Looking for the Best Training to deliver your Business Transformation? Search no more!

👏 “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

Heath Gascoigne Tweet

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.

How to Build a Target Operating Model (TOM) Without the Fluff