All CEO’s talk about the need for growth; the word growth can take on many forms — top-line revenue, bottom-line net profit, expanding target markets, etc. When it gets right down to it, are we developing a plan that supports long-term sustainable growth for the organization?
The goal is not a quick spike, but a well-thought-out plan that can build year-after-year growth.
In his book, Profitable Growth, author Ram Charan states, “But the only way this growth is going to occur is if everyone in the organization believes it to be possible. It is up to the organizations leadership to create the right mind set.” Therein lies the key to ensuring that growth is both achievable, as well as sustainable!
Part of any good strategic plan must be an element of growth. As Lee Iacocca stated, “You either lead, follow, or get out of the way.” In this fast-paced, ever-changing environment, not many organizations have the luxury of being able to just sit on the sidelines, they need to be focused on how to grow the organization and respond to the changes that are occurring.
As a CEO, it is my personal philosophy that it is my job to hire good people, give them the training and tools they need to do their job, and then get out of their way. As part of their training I spell out our strategic plan and highlight the growth plan we have laid out for the company. This plan includes both 1 and 3 year goals with related metrics.
The leadership of the company understands and is excited about our growth plan. They model the behavior to create the excitement and vision for the organization so that everyone gets behind the plan.
Growth is vital for any organization and to truly be a successful organization everyone must be actively engaged in support of the company’s goals.
