[ad_1]
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur collaborators are their own.
Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them. And especially in this cover-up culture, we own them and share them with others so we can all learn and grow. It won’t always be fun. Sharing a cautionary tale of failure, for example. But embracing them and sharing them, thinking about what went wrong so you can fix it next time, will bring with it respect.
Authentic, compassionate, transparent leaders with an added dose of curiosity are the future. Yet to foster all these traits, you cannot lead without respect. So swallow that pride and share the lessons learned. And thus help yourself and others. It’s a win-win.
And so to business. How can I contribute to this conversation once I’ve set the stage? Considering the difficult times that the whole business has experienced in the last few years, our business has grown rapidly, scaling the business model, developing 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 was never smooth wasn’t kidding!
Reflecting on our trip, here are my main takeaways:
Culture is king
I’m all for the value of culture. I could wax lyrical about this for hours. I cannot stress enough its importance to a sustainable, flexible and happy workplace. Happy people equals happy customers equals a happy business.
Often, in times of rapid growth, numbers and metrics are prioritized over fluff. However, growth cannot be sustained without these foundations, values and cultures upon which great things can be achieved. Even if you have a great culture, especially in times of growth, you need to prioritize it even higher.
Think about this. We all know how easy it can be to get swept up in a time-sensitive project that promises great things. Yet if no one in the business 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 critical.
Communication is queen
You then need to articulate this to your teams. Defining the strategy and aligning it with your culture and values is one thing. Communicating this to the team and getting them on board is another.
I return to my previous example. When we focus on the ROI of a project, it can be easy to lose people along the way (physically and mentally) if we don’t keep them updated and supported. And if people aren’t engaged or connected to your mission and vision and don’t understand the role they play, leading through rapid growth will be difficult.
Ironic indeed, given the financial impact we know engagement can have.
Related: 6 Essential Components of a Solid Growth Strategy
People are the prince and princesses
This one has two elements. Your people and your customers. I’ll start with your people. They are your greatest and most powerful asset. You hired them because they are great, fit your culture and business. They are the reason you are where you are in business.
So why are we hiring fast with rapid growth? To fill the position, check the box and proceed? We all know the cost to a business of hiring the wrong person, both financially and culturally. Because time is not our friend. You know what, take your time. Or repent at your leisure.
Roles must be filled quickly; I get it But it’s extremely important to take the time to identify what the role really requires. What skills are required and just as importantly, what are the required characteristics and attitudes for the position 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. Here’s how to build a company that will grow long into the future.
Your customers are just as important. Without them, you have no business. Successful companies are built around their customers; exceeding expectations and excellent service. To do this, you need to understand their needs and wants and exceed them. You need to be in constant communication, actively listening to feedback. I hope this is what drives your rapid growth. It should be a driving force.
Related: The key to achieving your company’s growth strategies is talent
Set yourself up for success
Growth isn’t everything. This does not always mean success and security. It can, however, if you lay the groundwork. So before you dive headfirst into it, take a step back and assess the status quo. Highlight areas for improvement and correct them. Scale with problems and you only serve to amplify them.
Only pursue growth when you are ready to succeed. If you are already the best you can be, then you can scale successfully and sustainably.
Related: 3 Ways to Know if Your Growth Strategy is Really Helping You Grow
[ad_2]
Source link