No matter how anyone wants it, business growth is never linear. It grows, slows, hits a plateau, sometimes even drops. Then, if all's well, it grows again. Up-down. Forward-back.
That's why the founder tires—over 10-20 years, he's ridden several waves of that "sine curve." He's tried launching transformations before, but no luck. The company’s future looks foggy. The desired growth is nowhere in sight.
First things first, own the real wins. Not how low or how many times the business fell—key is it's still alive. That "wild" love for life costs plenty; few have it.
Next, face facts: to what degree were those crises late, clumsy reactions to unavoidable trends in the world around? Bad if company renewal only comes under pressure. As Nazareth sang: "Bye, bye, too bad, too sad."
Hm, but can it be any other way?
Sure, you can't overhaul the WHOLE company CONSTANTLY. Change is temporary loss of stability, speed, control. That’s why rhythm and cycles matter.
But not all cycles are equal. One thing is to be swallowed by a massive wave that crashes over you. Another is to paddle toward it with thrill, catch it, and ride it with joy.
The problem is not the Ocean around us that keeps trying to splash us with icy water. The problem is our separation from it. The company needs sync between external and internal cycles.
This is where a ritual you deliberately create can help. A ritual that institutionalizes the process of rebirth of the corporate body.
Did you really think founding a company was a one-time act?
Soon I'll share details of my course: "Ritual of Transformation: How to Breathe Life Back into Your Company." To catch it all, reply: "I'm interested."
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
Stuck? Your business grows when you do. I’m your business therapist to guide your shift. See testimonials here. Ready? Book your Catalyst session.