Growing up

 My 9 years old is growing, and I mean, growing fast. When I put her to bed at night, she tells me to massage her legs because everything hurts. That’s when I start explaining that it’s normal, that these are phases, and what will come next and how to prep for it. We talk about what’s important to remember and where to focus. She then looks at me and start talking about what she will do tomorrow.

And, talking about the future and how growth can be painful, do you feel it too? This energy awaking on the market. The longer hours at the office, the production cranking up at the plant, the clients opening your door more often. Open positions are pouring on the market. Contracts are being signed. Companies are starting to grow again. That makes me happy, but it also gets me to plan like you have no idea.

When your business starts to grow, uncomfortable situations kick in. Vision, communications, and alignment will be your allies. But how do you organize your vision and comms to create alignment? The answer are your values. They are your true north to stay on track when you turn on the tap (and when you close it too).

Your company values are not 4 words plastered on a company poster, they are clear statements that frame behaviours and decision expected in day-to-day operations or in long term planning. For example, if one of your values is ‘’innovation’’, make sure it becomes an affirmation: ‘’here, we use innovating technologies to accelerate the delivery of complex automotive parts’’. In a context where you expand, it means that your decisions will support buying innovating technologies, hire engineers to push them, measure speed. It’s a guiding principle. When you don’t have these values, and you get pushed forward to make decisions in a very fast paced environment, not wanting to miss a beat, you get pulled in a million directions and this is where growth can become a nightmare. You lose customers because they do not connect with you anymore, you lose employees who feel that you don’t know where you’re going, you lose your market position.

So, it’s time to take a look at your company #values. Are they still solid? Are they affirmations that can help steer and understand decisions? Do they provide alignment for talents to act and participate into the business’ success? That’s what they need to be. They will be your foundations for so much more: reviewing your candidate and employee experiences, strengthening your employer brand, engaging your workforce, convincing your customers. Growing will become much more enjoyable if you are ready for it.

My daughter is so excited about the future. She has tons of ideas based on the values we are giving her. It’s guiding her, on her journey. It’s the same for you and your organization. Set strong values. Communicate them. Go back to them when you are unsure. Because growing is wonderful.