Business growth
I’m noticing a pattern within organizations relevant to me. A successful business grows just like individuals continually grow throughout life. We know the human brain has cycles of pruning what is no longer necessary and cycles of growing spurts. We also know that the human brain appreciates repetition balanced with novelty. “What do I already know about this?” “How is this different and new?”
I am convinced it is similar with organizations. It is important for companies to regularly reflect on their mission, values, and the processes by which those are met. Reflection can be a time for pruning away what is no longer serving the business well.
It can also be an opportunity for exploring new options. Boards, administration, and members “in the trenches” like familiarity and yet, they also enjoy thinking outside the box and shaking things up every now and then.
Sometimes an impetus can set the stage for organizations to evaluate themselves. A question may be asked or an incongruency brought to light. To be sure, discomfort can be experienced. As someone who has “been there and done that” before, my advice was similar to that given moms in labor…take a cleansing breath, ride the wave, and at the end rejoice in the fruit of the labor!
It is invigorating to be involved in such forward thinking discussions that look to the past in order to project into the future as they serve the public in the present.
