I read Stephen Covey’s book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, when I was a teenager. One of the habits that I return to again and again is to, “begin with the end in mind.” This perspective puts a lens over activity that encourages selection. It improves our ability to make decisions that support intentional change.
There are many ways this habit supports business growth, but to focus on a single example, do you know who should be on your team? Not for today, but for tomorrow. At your next stage of growth, what are the functions, roles, and people?
We tend to react to the environment and problem solve current situations. You hire or contract a sales role to drum up more business because your team is under capacity.
This isn’t inherently wrong, but you’re dependent on environmental cues that will shape your business. They will determine the shape, size, and kind of business you run.
It’s like only sailing in the direction of the wind.
But if you know where you’re going, you can make choices to bring sailors onboard that will aid in navigating to your desired destination.
Featured image is Dort or Dordrecht: The Dort packet-boat from Rotterdam becalmed, 1818. By JMW Turner. Used under public domain.