Two years ago, we implemented a feature called
“The Fast Lane.” Our goal was to get inside the heads of
the leaders of fast-growing businesses, explore the keys to their
success and share that information with you.
So far, we’ve interviewed the
CEOs and presidents of more
than 300 fast-growing companies nationwide and a common theme has
emerged from these stories: success isn’t
an accident. It is the product of not only
hard work but focused efforts, a strong will
and the ability to steer a company through
any waters.
These CEOs have said if you approach
challenges with a doom-and-gloom perspective, or even a “maybe” attitude, your
ability to succeed will be impaired because
you’ll have trouble revving up your employees and getting buy-in to your vision.
But even if you’re the walking
embodiment of optimism, you
will only get so far. Your will to
succeed can’t overcome flaws
in your management style if you
take your hands off the wheel
and lose sight of your destination. And in a swiftly growing
enterprise, lack of focus is
about as deadly a flaw as you’re
likely to have.
Admittedly, when your company is
achieving double- or triple-digit growth, it’s
easy to let your attention stray in order to
focus on managing the triage side of your
business. That three-year strategic plan
you developed was obsolete by the end of
year one because you blew past the goals
in nine months and now your time is spent
in the whirlwind of staffing, meeting production levels and balancing other growth-related issues without realizing you’ve
stopped steering and are speeding through the water with no destination at all.
It doesn’t have to be that way. It’s possible
to regain control of the wheel and refocus
your attention on ensuring growth does
not impede your ability to steer the ship
toward its intended destination. As captain, take time to pause, reassess your situation and make sure the direction you’re
headed is the one you want. Do not worry
about potentially putting temporary brakes
on your growth in order to get back on the
right path. Your employees will understand
if you communicate your actions.
If not, you may just find yourself arriving
at a foreign port of call with an angry crew,
the wrong passports and at a locale with a
language you are unable to understand.
We at Executive Caterers are proud to serve the
Greater Cleveland area and beyond.
From fairy-tale weddings, intimate gatherings,
premier social galas and corporate events, our
services are designed to make you the most
consummate of hosts.
We offer our services at Landerhaven, the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the
Galleria at Erieview, the English Oakroom at
Tower City Center, the Cleveland Convention
Center, and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.
Or, of course, any location of your choice.
Contact Editor Dustin Klein at [email protected]