If you can relate to the title, congratulations – you have taken your business to the next level. However, growing pains can sometimes be excruciating. The strategies that you employ at this critical juncture will determine whether the upward trend continues or begins to plateau. Here are four essential skills to add to your leadership toolbox right now.
Intelligent Hiring
Good managers realize a quintessential truth: you can only learn so much, but you can hire people who know much more. In other words, go from being a leader who leads workers to one who leads leaders.
Part of your business transition involves hiring the right people as you expand. They must not only be experts in their respective fields but individuals capable of aligning themselves with the organization’s vision. If you recognize in yourself certain shortcomings as a manager, gravitate towards those who possess the traits that you do not. It will help you create a more rounded and effective management team.
Team Building
As a company grows, a certain level of fragmentation within the previously close-knit workforce is inevitable. Much of the cross-channel expertise everyone once had access to is gone because people who worked around a single table now head their own discrete teams. Plug these gaps in knowledge by deliberately crafting teams that possess broad skillsets. This may involve splitting up people who work together very well so monitor their progress and reunite them if necessary. However, do not lose sight of the ultimate goal of building self-reliant teams that can function across the board when and where necessary.
Focused Vision
While the core mission of the company is not likely to change, your short-term vision will probably shift in light of your recent growth. Many companies falter because their focus is caught in limbo between what worked before and what is needed now to maintain the pace of growth. Counter this by creating both short- and long-term plans in consultation with your core management team. Ensure that each senior manager is aware of their responsibilities as contributors and facilitators to each stage. Check back regularly and course-correct as needed.
Streamlined Communication
When an organization expands, lines of communication are one of the first to fray. This can be caused by less frequent face-to-face interaction and distributing increasingly vague information throughout the company. Resist the temptation to schedule more meetings as a solution. Rather, the answer lies in developing a more streamlined communication protocol with technology at its core. Focus on providing detailed intelligence among teams and individuals where needed while also maintaining a steady flow of general information that keeps everyone in the loop.
Whether you are in the early stages of starting a new venture or operating a successful business, I am here to assist as a business coach, consultant, or advisor. Contact me today to schedule a time to discuss your needs.
