We have all heard stories about once-small companies that grow explosively and struggle to manage their new size and complexity. While growth is an overall positive thing, there is such a thing as growing too quickly, both internally for a company's culture and processes, as well as externally in how it relates to customers and the broader market, as with many things in life, balance and moderation are key.
In this article, I want to explore some of the most common challenges companies face when dealing with excessive or unplanned growth, as well as some strategies to help address them.
Imagine you own a cupcake shop. For the first few years, you're the only employee — you bake, decorate, and sell the cupcakes yourself. Then suddenly, you get featured on a popular cooking show. Orders start flooding in, more than you can handle alone.
At first, the deluge seems like a blessing. But soon, you're overwhelmed........