Last week we had associates from throughout the US and Canada here at TTI Success Insights to receive Stages of Growth Strategist training. Whenever we introduce Stages of Growth to one of our partners, it reminds us how change is inevitable, and how making intentional growth plans and ensuring the right people are on board to execute and support those plans can make or break an organization.

Ten years ago, Microsoft was crushing Apple in the marketplace. While Apple stock was selling for roughly $9.50 a share, Microsoft stock was going for $25. Apple computers were more popular among individuals, while PCs dominated the business world. Fast forward to just last week, and the tables have turned. Apple’s brand awareness and popularity surged with the introduction of the iPod and iPhone, and iPads have made their way into the boardroom. Now Microsoft shares are selling for just $35 while Apple stock is skyrocketing, selling at $400 a share. With such dramatic change occurring over the last ten years, it makes us wonder where these two companies will be ten years from now. How will the market change, and who will be able to adapt, listen to their customers and innovate to secure the market share?

Innovation isn’t just about coming up with a new way to do something better. To be truly innovative requires the people who work within the organization to be dialed into the company’s mission, vision and values, and to have the capacity to create and execute flexible plans that prepare for the company’s growth.

Leaders should be asking themselves,

•       Are assumptions being made about how work processes get done?
•       Do managers encourage employees to look for areas of improvement?
•       Do all employees understand the bigger picture and how they as individuals impact the company’s strategic vision?
•       How do you share successes, and is there a reward mechanism in place to encourage improvements?

TTI Success Insights’ Stages of Growth program will help provide a path for identifying where you are and discovering what you need to do to intentionally increase your growth potential. To learn more about your company’s own Stages of Growth, contact your TTI Success Insights-certified associate, or call us at (800) 869-6908 or (480) 443-1077.

You can also read here about a company that has already benefited from Stages of Growth.