Three Common Growth Problems
We’ve worked with dozens of companies through myriad transformations. While every organization has a unique culture and challenges, there are three common growth problems we’ve identified through the years.
1 - Breezing Through State Shifts
Amidst the chaos of growth, businesses often experience "state shifts" - significant changes in the state or condition of their systems. Unfortunately, these transformative moments are frequently overlooked or brushed aside. Failing to acknowledge and understand these critical shifts can hinder progress and limit the company's ability to adapt to its evolving environment. As a business grows, the strategies or ways of working that once brought success may no longer be effective, making it essential to embrace new approaches and evolve with the changing landscape.
The solution lies in recognizing these state shifts, proactively addressing them, and in many cases - celebrating. By fostering a culture of introspection and openness to change, companies can identify when their old ways are no longer serving them. This realization creates an opportunity to explore fresh perspectives, adopt innovative strategies, and continue to chart a course for consistent growth and success.
2 - Limited Communication
Leaders often assume that disseminating information once, or twice, or three times, is enough for their teams to understand and get to work. However, effective communication demands repetition and multiple approaches.
Leaders must embrace the importance of consistent and varied messaging. By reinforcing key ideas through diverse channels and formats, leaders increase the likelihood of their teams truly absorbing and comprehending the information. Transparent communication fosters trust, ensures alignment, and enhances the overall effectiveness of the organization as it navigates through growth-related challenges.
3 -Team Misalignment
As companies grow, the dynamics within their teams can become more intricate, leading to potential misalignment. Tuckman's model of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing is an invaluable resource for understanding and addressing team dynamics during periods of growth. Businesses must recognize that team development is not a linear process but an evolving one.
Team members may face conflicts and challenges during the "Storming" phase, but by providing a supportive environment and encouraging open communication, leaders can facilitate a smoother transition to the "Performing" stage. Regular team-building exercises, workshops, and opportunities for collaboration can further strengthen team bonds and foster a sense of collective purpose, boosting overall productivity and creativity.
Navigating growth is no easy feat, but by recognizing the significance of states hifts, prioritizing effective communication, and fostering team alignment, companies can move through these common growth challenges with grace.