Growth

Crickets.  Crickets.  Crickets.  Hear that?  That's the awkward silence that follows talking a topic to death. It can be emotionally wrenching and off-putting.  Sweaty palms, nervous patter.  And we've all been there.  Done that. It can happen when two minimally acquainted people are pushed into close proximity in a social setting.  The plasti-smile gets yanked on.  It can happen at work when someone stubbornly advances their antiquated, myopic point of view while others look on uncomfortably....

A little recent planting (yay! spring!) inspired me to consider the parallels between a healthy plant that's long overdue for transplanting, and organizations reflecting on "here" and considering how to get "there." How Might A Plant Resemble A Company? A Brand? The beginning was rife with struggle. Maybe even odds against. They both started small and were nurtured and protected throughout critical times. They both need precise amounts of key elements: fuel, disposal systems for waste (think...

Is your company transitioning or maturing? Evolving from 'start up' to 'growth stage' or beyond? Or just plain reconsidering its position, product lines, and value prop? That's great news--for some. I'd like to suggest that there are a handful of typical classifications into which some employees may fall. Mind you, certainly not all employees; but upon reaching a critical growth stage and deciding to make that next big leap in an effort to stake a position, raise awareness, persuade perceptions,...