The growth of a company is threatened by external and internal risks. We have already talked about external risks, today we are talking about some typical risks that come from within - i.e. from within the own organization. Internal risks can often be more dangerous than external ones because they are a) more likely to happen and b) can be immediately damaging. The good news: it's definitely easier to take action. Here are risks I've encountered time and again in my career as a company founder and CEO - each is definitely worth a separate article, but here are some initial thoughts:
- We've always done it that way
When their company grows, it leads to change. And many people don't like change because it requires them to leave their comfort zone. Changes can lead to insecurity and ultimately to high resistance. This can only be countered by communicating on different levels and on a regular basis why the changes are necessary, how it will be done and what needs to be done (by everyone). - That doesn't work
Sounds like the previous point, but it has a different quality. Especially in technical companies, the technicians often have the upper hand and quickly judge that new ideas can't work. They come up with umpteen reasons why something won't work. For creative people who want to make the company better, this can be frustrating. I recommend introducing rules here that everyone must propose at least 2 solutions. Because there is usually a way to turn things around. It also makes sense to go into such a brainstorming with a wishful idea and a more modest idea, so that there is already a basis. - Toxic employees
I have seen time and time again that a few employees actively stir up trouble against changes, colleagues or even customers. This happens subtly in the coffee corner, at lunch or even outside in their free time. There's nothing wrong with being critical of things. But criticism should always take place "in the cubicle". And in the forums provided by the company. Otherwise, the climate in the company becomes more and more "poisoned" and more and more people do everything, but no longer care about the company's goals. There are people who seem to see their purpose in life in causing trouble (instead of looking for a company that suits them better - I've never understood that). If you have created the framework for (constructive!) criticism and this still happens again and again, only one thing will help: you should part ways with toxic employees quickly and by any means necessary. - Applying a double standard to company values
Everyone who starts out small first lives by their own values in the company. The more people join the team, the more important it becomes to derive the company's values from them so that everyone can identify with them and align themselves with them. This can easily be forgotten, but for most employees it is an important tool for their own self-image within the company. However, it is a big mistake if a two-tier society develops and the values are applied differently - because then you lose support within the company over time, and rightly so. Respectful treatment of customers and employees is a value that you would expect everywhere, but which can quickly be lost, especially when new "managers" come on board who are only out to benefit themselves. Another example is that everyone is expected to be the "owner" of their tasks, but is effectively left alone with this and can therefore only lose.
The order corresponds to my view from "not good" to "really bad". If you know more - feel free to share your insights in the comments section.