Growth

In the physical world, growth is a sign of life. Growth reflects inevitable changes  revealing that life is happening directly in front of us. In teenage boys, growth is most evident when their stature stretches, hair sprouts and their voice changes.  A young man maturing in a responsible fashion brings joy to his family.  Such exciting and spectacular signs are clearly visible for all to see.

Likewise, organizations often surge in spectacular fashion.  Additional employees, higher sales, or greater productivity reflect growth.  Unfortunately, undisciplined growth under certain circumstances can have negative consequences.  Businesses without an ethical core can become enamored with growth for its own sake and engage in selling or administrative practices to indulge its self-absorbed ends.  These short-sighted activities are like the brash teenaged boy who asserts himself as an adult because of his stature. This attitude only brings attention to developmental immaturity.

To be of benefit in the physical and organizational worlds, growth requires discipline.  With young men, disciplined growth requires increased responsibility and heightened behavioral standards in conjunction with their increased stature.  Beyond the young man accepting additional chores, improved behavioral expectations must coincide with his increased size.  Taking out the trash or learning to cook are important steps toward responsibility.  However, learning to look an adult in the eye then to speak clearly and respectfully are more essential signs of maturity.

In the business world, a focus on profits, staff development and productivity demonstrates disciplined growth.  Additional sales are great for business.  But, irresponsible growth leads to long-term destruction as evidenced by rampant expenses that lead to shrinking profits. Specifically, growth demands sacrifice and discipline. Whether it’s the tall teenage boy drinking beer with the men in his neighborhood, or the sales executive promising deliveries that he cannot keep, reckless displays of growth yield immediate gratification that inevitably point toward ruin.

In organizations, the rewards for disciplined growth are ongoing profits and sustained productivity.  Vibrant businesses and long careers are built on disciplined growth.  In the teenaged boy, disciplined growth yields a maturity and focus that can endure a lifetime. In both cases, disciplined growth lead to opportunities for additional excellence.  The visible benefits of explosive sales or a stretching young man are exciting to behold.  They both illustrate growth with discipline yielding greater rewards.  The greater rewards include long-term results and a legacy of achievement.

-The Voice

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