Every leader wants to grow, whether that means hitting the next revenue goal or going all the way to an IPO. But growth isn’t glamorous. It’s what Scott Belsky calls “the messy middle” or the chaotic space between starting up and scaling up.
Growing is rarely graceful – especially when it’s happening faster than you anticipated. Companies in growth mode often feel “messy,” with their teams stretched thin, and their systems strained as everyone fights to keep their heads above water.
The good news? That’s totally normal. The better news? You can prepare for it.
Evolving your talent strategy now can pay off dramatically in the long run. Here are our top 3 tips to implement as you prepare for fast growth.
1.Revisit your org chart before growth Have you ever tried to go on a road trip without a map? It’s a recipe for frustration. The same principle applies during periods of growth. If you’re headed into a season where you anticipate rapid change, mapping your ideal future org chart can help you identify gaps before they exist. Look for bottlenecks, too much reliance on individual contributors and leadership needed for various accountabilities as you scale.
2.Hire for agility and strategic thinking, not just experience. Try as we might to plan, scaling inevitably comes with some unpredictability. Make sure you’re prioritizing candidates who show adaptability, curiosity and problem-solving skills. They’ll be better equipped to think on their feet when the playbook needs to change quickly. During interviews, look beyond years of experience and ask for examples of navigating change, handling limited resources or shaping new systems and processes.
3. Invest in leadership coaching early. As companies grow, existing team members are often given greater responsibilities and placed into new leadership roles. Coaching helps them bridge the gap between “doing the work” and “leading people who do the work” – one of the hardest transition points in any career journey.
Growing pains are inevitable when you’re scaling but strong, supported leaders with a clear vision can transform the tension into health scaling. With the right preparation, you can navigate that “messy middle” and come out on the other side strong.
If you’re gearing up to be in major growth mode, reach out! We’d love to be your strategic partner in sourcing the right talent to support your team and help reach your goals.