Growing

Growing is the phase where people carry high responsibility but still hold little or no equity — skilled, experienced and highly valuable to the business.

People here are often longer-term employees, family members, or those with significant management responsibility but no equity yet. They are moving along a career path and need a clear view of their options both within and outside the business (see Stepping stones for career pathways, and Leasing as a step toward ownership). 

Because skilled people are sought-after in a competitive industry, the business needs an effective retention strategy and a clear career pathway. Regular performance appraisals that openly discuss the individual's career options, as well as the direction of the business, help find a common path forward (see Reward, Recognition & Retention and Managing Performance). 

Watch out

Succession often stalls at this phase. Those who hold high responsibility may not be ready to share it — and if the business cannot offer a step up, growing people are likely to look elsewhere. Naming this openly, early, keeps good people.

Common questions

Who is in the growing phase?

People with high responsibility but little or no equity — longer-term employees, family members, or managers who do not yet have a stake in the business. 

How can a business keep people in the growing phase?

With a clear career pathway, an effective retention strategy, and regular appraisals that discuss the individual's career options as well as the direction of the business.