Anyone who has ever been through a period of intense growth will agree that the process is very rarely smooth. The journey is often filled with challenges, discomfort, and sometimes, outright pain. This is often referred to as “growing pains,” a natural part of any transformation process.
Personally, and within a business, it is hard to avoid growth. It is the natural progression of life and learning how to navigate the path more effectively can lead to positive transformation, that propel an organisation forward into stronger results.
Overcoming Organisation Challenges to Growth
1. Operational Requirements
As businesses mature, they often outgrow their existing processes and systems. What worked for a small team may become inefficient and chaotic as the company expands. This may require operational changes, which can be disruptive and stressful if not managed effectively.
A small company that once got by with limited software tools and informal communication methods will likely find these inadequate as it scales up. Moving towards more robust and formal systems and communication methods may disrupt productivity initially and also create stress amongst team members.
2. Increased Complexity
As an organisation grows with more employees, departments, and geographic locations, this creates more complexity. This can lead to challenges in maintaining clear communication, consistent quality, and a strong culture.
Things such as navigating different regulatory environments, cultural norms, market dynamics, time zones and managing diverse teams can strain resources and leadership capability.
3. Financial Pressures
Growth of an organisation can mean significant investment. Whether it’s hiring new talent, investing in infrastructure, or entering new markets, these costs can put significant strain on the finances, potentially impacting cash flow and profitability in the short term.
Considering the investment required for growth is necessary to ensure that the business can continue to meet its financial obligations, remain competitive and ensure ROI.
4. Cultural Implications
An organisation’s culture can be influenced by the process of growth – particularly if that growth is fast. If culture is not strategically reinforced throughout the organisation (core values lived, as part of HR and recruitment, embedded in processes etc) then the arrival of new employees, especially from diverse backgrounds, can dilute the core values and practices that initially defined the company.
That been said, the culture may naturally transform as a part of the growth process. A small family business may become more diverse as a result of new employees, locations or products. The culture may shift to reflect these changes – the key is to ensure that there is an awareness and anticipation of this, so that the cultural shifts impact positively on the organisation.
5. Expanding Comfort Zones
Growth requires stepping out of comfort zones, which can be uncomfortable and intimidating, particularly for some individuals. Pursuing new opportunities, learning new skills, or taking on more responsibilities often involves facing fears and uncertainties.
As with developing an awareness of potential cultural shifts and their impacts, so must a business consider the personal impacts of growth on its people. Rapid growth can challenge even the top performers, so taking your people on the journey and supporting them in their own personal growth is important. Assisting individuals on building plans for their own growth and transformation is not only rewarding, but can lead to greater success.
6. Embracing Failure
Growth has risks and this also opens up the possibility for failure. Setbacks can be painful, also offers valuable learning opportunities. Creating a culture that embraces failure as part of the growth process is critical – accepting failure as a necessary part of growth can lead to a more transparent, agile and innovative organisation.
Supporting your leadership team through failure is necessary. Rejections, delays, constraints and unintended consequences can dishearten a team, creating negative thinking, procrastination and hesitation. Acknowledging that risks exist and accepting failure as a normal part of growth, is a key part of creating an agile, scalable organisation.
Navigating the Pain of Growth
Develop and Maintain a Long-Term Vision
Communicating a strong clear vision helps to navigate the short-term pain of growth. Keeping in mind the larger goal can provide motivation and perspective when dealing with current struggles.
Understanding that it is all part of a larger journey is also be supported by a strong organisation purpose, that inspires its people to move forward during challenging times.
Focus on Incremental Progress
We often over estimate what we can achieve in the short term and underestimate what we can achieve over the long term. Often businesses who are experiencing strong growth try to do too much all at once, trying to achieve unrealistic goals that are not sustainable.
Lasting transformation often comes from consistent incremental progress, rather than constant drastic changes. Small, consistent improvements can lead to significant growth over time without overwhelming the business.
Set realistic, achievable goals and celebrate small wins to maintain motivation and momentum. Your achievements, no matter how small, matter!
Getting Comfortable with Discomfort
Discomfort is a natural part of the growth process. It is pretty much unavoidable as you move forward and transform. Businesses that recognise discomfort as a sign of growth and manage this well, foster a culture of resilience where challenges are viewed as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Cultivate a growth mindset within your organisation, where failure is treated as a normal part of transformation.
Growth is a challenging and often painful process. However, facing and overcoming these challenges is how great companies evolve and success is achieved. By embracing discomfort, seeking support, focusing on incremental progress, and maintaining a strong long-term vision, businesses can navigate the pains of growth and emerge stronger, more resilient, and successful.
