From Cradle to Boardroom: Parenting Your Business Through the Growth Spurt

Guiding your business through explosive growth is a lot like parenting a teenager; there is so much potential, endless exhausting challenges, and a desperate need for a strategic approach before it all implodes on itself (trust me, I know, I have a teenager at home right now!).

You persisted through the difficult baby years, but you’re also smart enough to know that the approach has to change if you want your “teen business” to grow into self-sufficient, successful maturity.

Don’t despair if you recognize this sentiment. After all, growth is a sign that you’re doing so many things right and that growth is present. You may need to rethink your “startup parenting” and begin the more strategic “teenage guidance” - your company has matured to the point where you must create the best possible environment to find its footing.

Embrace the growing pains

When your startup was small, you could rely on ad-hoc processes, informal communication, and a "fly by the seat of your pants" strategy. Now, as your company scales, these methods can lead to inefficiencies and confusion.

What to Do: Embrace the chaos as part of the growth process, but don’t let it become the norm. Invest in assessments of the current state so you can select the right, robust systems, structured processes, and clear communication channels. Think of it as upgrading from a tricycle to a full-fledged car. You need a license (or at least a well-documented process) to drive smoothly.

Set Boundaries and Expectations

Remember the rebellious teenager who pushed boundaries? Your growing business will test your limits, too. Early on, you could afford a lenient approach, but now it's time to set clear expectations and boundaries.

What to Do: Develop and enforce a comprehensive set of policies and procedures. Communicate clearly, and make sure every team member knows the rules of the road. It won’t stifle creativity. It will provide a framework that supports innovation while keeping things on track, giving you the advantage of being able to finally make educated projections.

Invest in Education and Development

Everybody benefits from guidance and education, and so will your business. Invest in its development. For a startup, informal learning and trial and error might have worked, but as your company grows, structured training and development become crucial.

What to Do: Consider the current state and your projected growth - if you’re hiring, you need an onboarding program to let your new talent hit the ground running. Shadowing Carol from Accounting might’ve worked for a while, but Carol needs to get back to her own schedule, too. Create opportunities for professional development. Invest in leadership training, mentorship programs, and skill-building workshops. Equip your team with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in a more complex environment.

Foster Independence, but Stay Involved

One of the joys (and challenges) of parenting is watching your child become more independent. I remember having to hold my daughter’s hand on the merry-go-round, but just a few weeks ago, she recounted her unaccompanied trip to Six Flags over dinner to me.

Similarly, as your business matures, you’ll need to delegate more and trust your team to take on greater responsibilities. I think you’ll be proud to see the outcome - businesses, just like people, will shine if you give them the stage to do so.

What to Do: Empower your employees by giving them ownership of projects and decisions. But don’t disappear! Maintain a supportive presence, offering guidance and feedback to help them navigate their new responsibilities.

Cultivate a Strong Support System

No business should go through its formative years without a solid support system. As your company expands, the complexities increase, and having a network of support becomes essential. This will form not only your employee’s work life but become an incorporated pillar in your business culture.

What to Do: Build a network of advisors, mentors, and industry experts. Surround yourself with people who can offer guidance, share insights, and help you tackle challenges. Remember, even the most successful CEOs need a support network to thrive. Communicate to everyone in your business that asking for advice shows strength, and remember to reward good ideas from any level of the company.

Celebrate Milestones, Big and Small

Just as you might reward your child’s achievements with a lollipop, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the milestones of your business. The celebrations boost morale and reinforce the progress your team has made, and it serves to remind your people that you appreciate their efforts.

What to Do: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the successes and achievements of your company. Whether it’s a major contract win or successfully launching a new product, take the time to appreciate these moments with your team.

Lead with Empathy and Vision

At Amplify, our golden rule, the rule to rule them, is simple: No Assholes. Do not tolerate grudging negativity, inhumanity, and nasty behavior. Just as parenting requires empathy and vision for your child's future, leading a growing business demands the same. Require that everyone within your business as well as external partners, understand that your people are people. Set a good example, and everyone will follow. We want people to want to go to work; otherwise, what’s the point?

What to Do: Lead with empathy, listen to your team’s concerns, and articulate a compelling vision for where the company is headed. A strong leader who understands and inspires their team will drive the company toward continued success.

Grow Up Together

Parenting your business through explosive growth is a journey of evolution and adaptation. As your company matures, so must your leadership and strategy approach. By embracing the challenges, investing in development, and fostering a supportive environment, you can guide your business from its startup days into a successful, robust enterprise.

So, buckle up. It’s going to be a thrilling ride. With the right mindset and strategies, you and your business can navigate this growth phase together and come out stronger on the other side.

If you want more insights and advice on how to successfully grow your business with an empathetic, robust, scalable mindset, don’t hesitate to reach out.