When scaling up, effective stakeholder management is crucial. The growth of a company depends entirely on the mindset of the people doing the actual work. It is therefore important to make team members feel valued and involved with the company's mission. Open communication, clear expectations and recognition of achievements are fundamental to retaining talent and boosting motivation. Easier said than done, for sure, and something you will wrestle with day after day.
In addition, let your team grow with the requirements of the scale-up phase. Create plenty of time and budget for them to build their skills. This requires a thoughtful approach, taking into account current and future needs of your company and its employees.
‘Communication’ is undoubtedly the glue that holds it all together. Everyone involved should be aware of recent (strategic) developments and feel part of all successes. Be clear, honest and consistent. Both internally and externally, you should make room for input and feedback. This not only helps to build trust, but also allows you to act quickly based on the information obtained. Also, effective communication can help resolve conflicts and avoid misunderstandings.
Strong communication skills will help you create a network of support and collaboration, essential for sustainable growth. Don’t leave this to Slack or any other device; it’s your job as a founder, each and every day.
