In a recent interaction on our 'Heat Pump Business Builder' community, I stumbled upon a profound comment from a fellow member, Mark. He touched upon the challenges he faces after being two decades in the heat pump industry. His words made me reflect deeply on the crux of business growth, values, and leadership.
1. The Eternal Learner's Mindset
20 years into the industry, Mark confesses he’s “still learning”. This is the mark of a true entrepreneur. No matter how far we’ve come, there’s always more to discover. While many understand they don't have all the answers, few are proactive enough to continually seek knowledge and solutions. Mark's proactive approach sets him on the path to true mastery.
2. Growth Vs. Scaling: The Ultimate Difference
Mark's aim to 'scale' his business offers a glimpse into his business acumen. Many misconstrue growth for scaling. While growth denotes more sales, more hires, and expanded operations, it also implies proportionate expenses. Scaling, on the other hand, is about amplifying revenues without a corresponding increase in costs, leading to better profit margins.
3. Staying True to Core Values
Perhaps the most vital aspect Mark raises is remaining true to his company's values during this growth phase. But how many of us have crystallized these values into tangible guides? It’s one thing to have values but enshrining them on the company walls, making them part of the organizational DNA, is another.
Values are our guiding compass. They set the tone for how we think, act, and ensure tasks are executed. As businesses scale and more hands join the deck, it's these values that keep everyone aligned.
4. Aligning People with Values
Keeping everyone aligned with company values isn't a one-off exercise. Regular value meetings, quarterly reviews, and consistent oversight are crucial. These rituals aren’t just for the sake of bureaucracy. They're essential to identify if someone, despite their skills or tenure, isn’t aligned with the core values.
5. Right People, Right Seats
Every employee should not only align with the company’s values but also possess the desire, knowledge, and capacity for their role. The trinity of “want, get, and capacity” determines if an employee is in the right seat. If any of these parameters don’t align, tough decisions are due. Training might be an answer, but in scenarios where realignment seems unattainable, letting go might be the only way forward.
This might seem harsh, especially if the person has been with the company for years or is a family member. But for the sake of the company's trajectory, such decisions are pivotal. Often, other team members notice these misalignments before leadership does. Making the tough call might lead to a collective sigh of relief.
Conclusion
Imagine a workspace where everyone aligns with the company’s ethos, understands their role, and carries the capacity to execute it. Such an environment promises reduced stress levels for leadership and skyrocketing customer satisfaction.
Reflect on where your business stands today. Are you growing or scaling? Are your values clear, and is your team aligned with them? Contemplate these facets, and the path to genuine business success becomes much clearer.
Till our next insightful exchange, take care and continue building.
Comentarios