Managing the Paradox – Balancing the Equation

As I finish my latest book on fast growth startups and how to play owner/operator/head bottle washer, this description captured my imagination. Regardless of the company’s size, being a CEO is about managing inherent contradictions. If that is not understood and managed by finding the balance, success is just not possible.

Optimum Sustainable Growth = Market Intelligence + Strategic Focus + Human Capital + Innovation & Delivery Processes

Paradox #1: Optimum Sustainable Growth

• Doubling your industries average for sales
• while maintaining margins and preserving scarce resources

Paradox #2: Market Intelligence

• Knowing your markets so well that you can anticipate opportunities
• while avoiding paralysis of analysis
  

Paradox #3: Strategic Focus

• Having clarity that aligns and drives performance
• while being flexible to an ever changing market
  

Paradox #4: Human Capital

• Attracting, Developing, Retaining your industries best talent
• while managing labor costs
  

Paradox #5: Innovation & Delivery Processes

• Institutionalizing best practices to spread excellence and shrink ignorance
• while not losing the freedom to create and innovate