Scaling your business is hard
Everything you want is on the other side of something hard.
Last month, I had the privilege of delivering a follow-up session to a dedicated team in the construction sector. With their industry facing unprecedented (to most of them) challenges, the team is feeling the strain. Despite working harder than ever, results are elusive, and customer interactions a struggle. It was clear that they needed more than just a strategy follow-up session—they needed a mindset shift.
Having worked through four recessions myself, I know the pain of working tirelessly with minimal results. In the session, I began by gauging the team’s morale with a simple thumb-ometer—unsurprisingly, the sentiment was low. The team was doing everything right, yet progress was distant and difficult.
Reframing the Challenge: I emphasised the cyclical nature of economic challenges and how, despite the hardships, they are an integral part of growth. "Everything you want is on the other side of something hard," I told them. This wasn’t just a motivational phrase but a deep hard fought truth rooted in experience. The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there by accident; he planned, practised, and endured the climb.
We discussed how the recent past—14 years of economic growth followed by the pandemic—created an unusual environment. The sudden downturn feels harsher, but it’s part of a natural economic cycle. I reminded them of the importance of staying present: "Looking backwards gives depression, forwards gives anxiety. Stay in this moment!"
To conclude our session, we did a round of "what I love about what I do is," encouraging the team to go over the top with their responses. The shift in energy was palpable—they leaned in, embraced the exercise, and left with a renewed sense of purpose.
Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems.
This, too, shall pass.
Is Your Team in Need of a Boost?
In 2010 I addressed my team and said that the word recession will be used in the past tense from now on. We went on to lock in the strategy that saw the business move into the market leadership position. This success was about 1/3 strategy, 1/3 execution and 1/3 mindset.
Would you like to explore how I can help you make 2025 about success, not just survival? Hit reply and lets chat.
Cheers,
Josh
