In our overview blog on the Greiner model, we discussed the five steps that every growing organization goes through. In the previous blog, we delved into the start-up phase, which is all about building a solid foundation for growth. In this blog, we take you to the rollercoaster phase. The name says it all: a turbulent period of growth that requires structure, without losing your flexibility.

Growing demand, growing challenges

In the rollercoaster phase, your product or service begins to gain a foothold in the marketplace. Customers find their way to your business and the team slowly expands. Success is palpable, but that also brings new challenges. You notice that ad hoc processes no longer do the trick and that your organization needs more structure. How do you keep control of your growth without losing that start-up mentality?

“Growth offers opportunities, but without structure it becomes chaos. It’s not about more control, it’s about smart control: simplifying and automating processes so you can focus on developing your business.”

Erry de Boer, CEO Eqeep

The challenge: structure without stifling people 

It’s all about finding the right balance at this phase. Your organization is growing rapidly, but that comes with risks. Poor communication, duplication of effort and inefficient processes can quickly consume your energy. The solution? Clear processes and clear responsibilities. Map out your organization and document who is responsible for what. Organize regular team meetings to keep everyone on the same page and inspire each other. This is how you keep a grip on your growth without stifling your team in bureaucracy.

Technology as a stabilizing force   

Technology is growing into an indispensable gamechanger during this period. Smart solutions not only help you work more efficiently but also prevent chaos. An integrated platform, such as an ERP system, helps you streamline processes smoothly and avoid chaos without forcing you into a straitjacket. 

“Choose an integrated solution that supports your growth and streamlines your processes. This will prevent you from getting stuck in ad-hoc solutions with loose Excel sheets and Word templates.”

Erry de Boer, CEO Eqeep

Stay agile  

Automate daily tasks, such as invoicing and order processing, to relieve your team. This gives your people more space to focus on innovation and strengthening the connection with your customers. Choose a platform that grows with you so you don’t run into limitations at this stage. 

Technology provides not only stability, but also the flexibility you need to respond quickly to changes in the market. And that agility is exactly what makes a start-up so valuable.

The importance of leadership 

During this period, your role as an entrepreneur transforms. You are no longer just the creative engine, but also the strategic leader of a growing team. This requires a different mindset. Be visible to your employees and communicate your vision clearly. Involve your team in important decisions so they feel involved and take responsibility. Strong leadership gives your organization the confidence and stability needed to take the next steps together.

Collaboration as the key to efficiency 

With a growing team and more and more clients, collaboration becomes essential. Encourage transparency and ensure clear agreements about who does what. Digital tools can help processes run more smoothly and ensure that all departments are on the same page. This way you avoid misunderstandings and work more efficiently. In addition, create a culture in which feedback and improvement are central, so that you continue to learn and grow as an organization.

Want to know more?

Curious about the details of each growth phase? In the next blog, we explore the puberty phase, which calls further professionalization and strengthening of leadership. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page or follow our LinkedIn page for the five follow-up articles, in which we delve deeper into the specific challenges and opportunities for each phase. Want to take steps now to streamline your growth? Check this page to discover how NetSuite SuiteSuccess Starter and Eqeep’s expertise support your start-up or scale-up through each stage. Need a quick sparring session? Make an appointment with Indra Zunder, our pre-sales consultant.