5 Common Growth Execution Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Growth is exciting, but when it comes to execution, even the best plans can hit roadblocks. However, most of these obstacles are avoidable if you know what to watch out for. Here are five common mistakes leaders make when executing growth strategies and some simple ways to steer clear of them.
1. Trying to Do Too Much at Once
Fast growth does not mean piling on too many goals at the same time. Overloaded goals can stretch the teams thin and eventually slow down progress due to “task switching”. It is thus important to focus on what matters the most. Pick a few high-impact goals and make them the priority. Using tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), GEMS can help you and your team stay on track.
2. Communication Breakdowns
It is common to see teams work in silos, unclear about the overall vision or their role in achieving it. This confusion can cause delays or duplicate efforts. Companies need to make communication a habit, sharing regular updates and encouraging open conversations. The use of collaborative tools or strategy execution platforms can keep everyone in sync and accountable.
3. Flying Blind Without Data
Making decisions based on assumptions rather than data/facts is a complete waste of time and effort. Data is everything. Decide on a few relevant key metrics to measure your progress and check in often. If something isn’t working, the numbers will show you where to pivot.
4. Fear of Change
Sticking to old ways because they feel familiar—even when the market or your business demands something new is a common obstacle. Old ways cannot open new doors and thus change is inevitable. Leaders need to talk to teams about importance of change and more importantly provide the necessary support through training or tools.
5. Underestimating What It Takes
Launching ambitious plans without a realistic readiness check involving budgets, time, people, resources, competence needed to make them happen is a disaster waiting to happen. Before you start, take a 360-degree assessment of everything required for the initiative to succeed. The Initiative Readiness Measurement (IRM) offered by GEMS is a great way to audit and score your readiness for execution.
Finally, growth isn’t just about having big ideas—it’s about executing them well. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can turn your plans into real, measurable success. And remember, tools like Excelrate’s GEMS platform can simplify the process, helping you keep everything aligned and moving forward.