This is often a question that I ponder. The tendency is to say but of course if you don’t grow, then you wither and die as an organization. Some of the conventional wisdom says that size and growth matter. However, is it really about being bigger or is it really about being great at what you do?
I read a book titled “Small Giants: Companies that Choose to be Great Instead of Big” by Bo Burlingame. I really liked many of the concepts that emerged from his research on how companies with strong brands such as Clif Bar and Anchor Brewing became great companies in their industries. Instead their focus was on becoming great companies delivering their products to their customers and creating a work environment where their employees thrive.
I challenge you to think outside the box and determine what your path should be—getting bigger or being the best? Knowing your business “why” will shape how you answer this question.
Here’s to thinking outside the box about what growth means to you!
Mike