Think this way if you want to set up your business for success
The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.
No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. What is crucial is that we learn from them. And especially in this concealment, we own them and share them with others so that we can all learn and grow. It won't always be fun. Share a cautionary tale of failure, for example. But embracing them and sharing them, reflecting on what went wrong in order to fix the situation next time, will bring respect.
Authentic, compassionate and transparent leaders with a hint of curiosity are the future. Yet to foster all of these traits, you cannot lead without respect. So swallow that pride and share your lessons learned. And in doing so, help yourself and others. It's a win-win.
And so on. How can I contribute to this conversation, now that I've set the scene? Given the difficult times that all businesses have been through in recent years, our company has grown rapidly, changing the business model, scaling and expanding into new markets. I would put all this on the pedestal of success, but it was not without difficulties. Whoever said the road to success is never smooth wasn't kidding!
Reflecting on our journey, here are my main takeaways:
Culture is kingI'm all about the value of culture. I can wax lyrical about this for hours. I cannot stress its importance for a sustainable, agile and happy workplace. Happy people equal happy customers equal happy business.
Often, in times of rapid growth, numbers and metrics take precedence over the fluffy stuff. However, growth cannot be sustained without these foundations, values and cultures upon which great things can be achieved. Even if you have a large crop, especially in times of growth, you should give it an even higher priority.
Think about it. We all know how easy it can be to get caught up in an urgent project that promises big things. Yet, if no one in the company knows what the vision is, or how this project and its amazing results will contribute to the overall goal, growth will not be sustainable.
Remembering who you are as a business is essential.
Communication is kingThen you need to explain this to your teams. Defining the strategy and aligning it with your culture and values is one thing. Communicating this to the team and involving them is another.
I go back to my previous example. Focusing on getting a project back, it can be easy to lose people along the way (physically and mentally) if we don't keep them informed and get their buy-in. And if people aren't engaged or connected to your mission and vision and understand the role they play, it will be difficult to lead through rapid growth.
It's really ironic, given the financial impact we know the engagement can have.
Related: 6 Essentials of a Solid Growth Strategy
People are prince and princessesThis one has two elements. Your employees and your customers. I'll start with your people. They are your most important and powerful asset. You hired them because they're great, they fit your culture and your business. They are the reason you are at this stage of the business.
So why, in times of rapid growth, do we hire quickly? To fill the position, check the box and move on? We all know the cost to the company of hiring the wrong person, both financially and culturally. Because time is not our friend. You know what, take your time. Or repent at leisure.
Roles need to be filled quickly; I understand. But it's essential to spend time identifying what the role really requires. What skills are essential and, just as important, what characteristics and attitudes are essential for the job and the company. It's a matter of attitude versus ability.
Start with the right person, invest in them, give them ownership, and do it every day. This is how you build a business that will grow long into the future.
Your customers are just as important. Without them, you have nothing to do. Successful businesses are built around their customers; exceed expectations and excel in service. To do this, you must understand their needs and wants and overcome them. You need to be in constant communication, actively listening to feedback. I hope this is what drives your rapid growth. This should be a driving force.
Related: The Key to Realizing Your Business Growth Strategies Is Talent
Prepare for successGrowth isn't everything. It doesn't always mean hit and miss...
The opinions expressed by entrepreneurs contributors are their own.
No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. What is crucial is that we learn from them. And especially in this concealment, we own them and share them with others so that we can all learn and grow. It won't always be fun. Share a cautionary tale of failure, for example. But embracing them and sharing them, reflecting on what went wrong in order to fix the situation next time, will bring respect.
Authentic, compassionate and transparent leaders with a hint of curiosity are the future. Yet to foster all of these traits, you cannot lead without respect. So swallow that pride and share your lessons learned. And in doing so, help yourself and others. It's a win-win.
And so on. How can I contribute to this conversation, now that I've set the scene? Given the difficult times that all businesses have been through in recent years, our company has grown rapidly, changing the business model, scaling and expanding into new markets. I would put all this on the pedestal of success, but it was not without difficulties. Whoever said the road to success is never smooth wasn't kidding!
Reflecting on our journey, here are my main takeaways:
Culture is kingI'm all about the value of culture. I can wax lyrical about this for hours. I cannot stress its importance for a sustainable, agile and happy workplace. Happy people equal happy customers equal happy business.
Often, in times of rapid growth, numbers and metrics take precedence over the fluffy stuff. However, growth cannot be sustained without these foundations, values and cultures upon which great things can be achieved. Even if you have a large crop, especially in times of growth, you should give it an even higher priority.
Think about it. We all know how easy it can be to get caught up in an urgent project that promises big things. Yet, if no one in the company knows what the vision is, or how this project and its amazing results will contribute to the overall goal, growth will not be sustainable.
Remembering who you are as a business is essential.
Communication is kingThen you need to explain this to your teams. Defining the strategy and aligning it with your culture and values is one thing. Communicating this to the team and involving them is another.
I go back to my previous example. Focusing on getting a project back, it can be easy to lose people along the way (physically and mentally) if we don't keep them informed and get their buy-in. And if people aren't engaged or connected to your mission and vision and understand the role they play, it will be difficult to lead through rapid growth.
It's really ironic, given the financial impact we know the engagement can have.
Related: 6 Essentials of a Solid Growth Strategy
People are prince and princessesThis one has two elements. Your employees and your customers. I'll start with your people. They are your most important and powerful asset. You hired them because they're great, they fit your culture and your business. They are the reason you are at this stage of the business.
So why, in times of rapid growth, do we hire quickly? To fill the position, check the box and move on? We all know the cost to the company of hiring the wrong person, both financially and culturally. Because time is not our friend. You know what, take your time. Or repent at leisure.
Roles need to be filled quickly; I understand. But it's essential to spend time identifying what the role really requires. What skills are essential and, just as important, what characteristics and attitudes are essential for the job and the company. It's a matter of attitude versus ability.
Start with the right person, invest in them, give them ownership, and do it every day. This is how you build a business that will grow long into the future.
Your customers are just as important. Without them, you have nothing to do. Successful businesses are built around their customers; exceed expectations and excel in service. To do this, you must understand their needs and wants and overcome them. You need to be in constant communication, actively listening to feedback. I hope this is what drives your rapid growth. This should be a driving force.
Related: The Key to Realizing Your Business Growth Strategies Is Talent
Prepare for successGrowth isn't everything. It doesn't always mean hit and miss...
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