“Now you enter a phase where you have to start relying on the strength and expertise of others. That’s quite exciting. You have to let go of some of the direction and rely on your people. At the same time, you want to be sure that things happen the way you envision.”

Erry de Boer, CEO Eqeep

In our earlier blogs on the Greiner model, we explored the first two growth phases of an organization. The start-up phase is all about establishing a solid foundation, while the rollercoaster phase challenges you to balance structure and flexibility. Now it’s time to look at the third step: the puberty phase. Here it is all about professionalization, delegation and building a team that takes responsibility.

 The transition to a mature organization 

In the adolescent phase, your organization grows and with it its complexity. The number of employees runs into dozens, and while you used to be involved in every detail, you now realize that you can no longer do everything yourself. Your team takes on more responsibility, departments are created and processes are formalized. But this growth also brings challenges. How do you make sure you don’t lose control, while still giving your employees enough space to work independently?

 The challenge: letting go and building trust 

The adolescent phase requires a different kind of leadership. Anyone who has teenage children will recognize it. You have to learn to let go – read: delegate – but without losing grip. It is all about trust: in your team and in the processes you have established together. The agreements must be clear, but also give room for your own initiative. A culture of responsibility and cooperation ensures that everyone tackles their tasks with confidence.

Technology as a catalyst for growth   

In this period, technology plays an indispensable role in streamlining your business operations. An integrated platform helps you organize processes and gain insight into project progress. It provides your employees with the tools that they need to work together efficiently. Think of systems that make data available in real time, automate reporting and facilitate communication between departments. By deploying technology smartly, you can focus on strategic growth while your team can continue to work happily in operations. Moreover, scalable technology makes it easier to respond quickly to changes without having to reinvest because your systems no longer fit the size of your business. This not only prevents unnecessary costs, but also gives your organization the agility to keep growing.

“Growth requires software that secures processes and gets reports right, so that your team leaders know what is expected of them, and you can be confident that you can let go.”

Erry de Boer, CEO Eqeep

Strengthening leadership   

Strong leadership is essential in the adolescent phase. As a leader, you need to be visible and communicate your vision clearly. Show your team what you are working toward and how each individual contributes to it. Provide regular check-ins where you celebrate successes and discuss challenges. This keeps the lines of communication open and strengthens the bonds between you.

Cooperation as a foundation   

With a growing team, collaboration becomes more important than ever. Invest in a culture where feedback is valued and people reinforce each other. Digital collaboration platforms make it easier to share information and monitor progress. This prevents misunderstandings and increases efficiency.

Want to know more?

Curious about the next steps? In the next blog, we explore the scale-up phase, where agility and coordination come together. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page or follow our LinkedIn page so you don’t miss a thing. Want to take steps now to streamline your growth? Check out this page and discover how NetSuite SuiteSuccess Starter and Eqeep’s expertise will help you build a solid foundation ready for growth. Need a quick sparring session? Get in touch.