Rapid growth periods can be a thrilling time for teams, as they take on new opportunities and expand operations. However, with this increased growth come a number of potential challenges that can create instability in the environment. In this post, we will examine 5 common symptoms of teams going through rapid growth periods, and we will provide strategies for how to manage and address these issues. From dealing with higher workloads and an increased sense of pressure to changing dynamics and the need for clear communication, rapid growth can cause any number of difficulties for teams. It is important to understand these potential issues, as well as how to anticipate them and take proactive steps to avoid disruption and ensure the team remains on track.
Loss of Focus
Teams can easily become overwhelmed due to the pressure of rapid growth and, as a result, lose sight of their original goals. Leaders should stay committed to their key objectives and have regular check-ins to track progress. It is important to set clear expectations for team members and provide them with the necessary resources to reach their goals. This could include access to the latest technology, additional training, or a more flexible work schedule. Additionally, it is essential for leaders to give their team members the freedom to take ownership of their projects and the autonomy to make decisions that will benefit the team overall. With the right guidance and resources, teams can stay focused on their objectives and reach their goals during periods of growth.
Communication Breakdown
Teams may find it increasingly challenging to maintain the speed of communication as their size and scope grow. Consequently, it is essential for TEAMS to collectively prioritise setting a clear and unambiguous direction and objective for the team, as well as enacting efficient ways to communicate. This includes providing team members with the necessary resources to stay connected as well as authority to share information when it is necessary. Additionally, leaders should be mindful of how the team is structured, making sure that lines of communication are open and clear. Regular check-ins can help ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal, while also giving team members an opportunity to voice their opinions, ideas, and concerns.
Lack of Confidence
Team members may struggle to trust each other during periods of rapid growth, especially if the team is newly formed or if the team members have not had a chance to get to know each other. Leaders should focus on building trust among the team members, which can be done in a variety of ways, such as engaging in team-building activities, setting clear expectations and goals, offering praise and recognition, and providing opportunities for collaboration. Building high levels of trust across a team is the bedrock of all great teams, and it is trust that builds confidence in individuals and a collective. Leaders who fail to take time to foster trust and collaboration will struggle to unleash the full potential of the collective team.
Workload
Rapid growth can lead to teams becoming overwhelmed with work, and this can have a serious impact on morale and productivity. Leaders should prioritise tasks and create a structured plan to ensure that the team can work efficiently. This plan should include specific deadlines, clear communication, and the delegation of important tasks to the right people. Additionally, it should provide enough flexibility to remain responsive to changing conditions and needs. By taking the time to create a comprehensive plan, teams can remain organised and efficient even in times of rapid growth.
Reacting to firefighting
Many teams going through a rapid growth period feel the constant sensation of being in a state of 'reactive to firefighting', constantly striving to stay ahead of any potential crises or issues that could arise and needing to act quickly to solve them. This can be an exhausting and unproductive way to operate and can lead to burnout and frustration for those involved. To move away from this way of working, it is important to be proactive, so to take steps to anticipate potential issues before they arise as well as preparing people for the unknown too! This latter point is what we are increasingly failing to do in the busy cycles we have created in our working world. This can involve taking periodic 'time outs' to gain a better understanding of the situation, often the incubator for preventative rather than 'repair solutions'. Ultimately, by taking the time to be proactive, teams can be better prepared to address any issues that may arise, making the process of rapid growth more efficient and less stressful.
Ending notes
Rapid growth periods can be very challenging, both in terms of the pressure they bring to bear on teams and the opportunities they present. As a leader, it is important to create the conditions for a team to thrive. When the intention and attention of the team is clear often magical outcomes arise.
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” - Henry Ford