How to Manage Growth Like a Norse God: Lessons from Asgard

Structured growth isn’t just for modern businesses—even the Norse gods knew the importance of a solid plan. With a touch of myth and a dash of wisdom, let’s explore how execution planning, validation, readiness, execution, and review align with the GEMS framework… all while channeling your inner Odin.

Execution Planning: Asgard’s Grand Vision

Every great endeavor starts with a plan. When the gods decided to build Asgard’s protective walls, they had a crystal-clear goal: create an impenetrable fortress. Like a good project manager, Odin ensured the vision was big enough to inspire but clear enough to guide.

Lesson: Spell out your goals and break them into bite-sized, achievable steps. Even gods need a blueprint.

Validation of Assumptions: Loki’s Risky Move

Ever made a decision that seemed fine until it wasn’t? The gods trusted a builder’s proposal without questioning his motives—a classic assumption fail. Loki had to swoop in with a risky (and chaotic) fix, reminding us all to validate assumptions before diving in.

Lesson: Test your assumptions early. It’s easier than shapeshifting into a mare… trust us.

Readiness: Ragnarök Prep School

Preparation isn’t glamorous, but it’s everything. The gods spent eons training warriors and forging alliances for Ragnarök. They knew the fight was coming and made sure they weren’t caught off guard. For your team, readiness means having resources, skills, and contingency plans locked and loaded.

Lesson: Be like the gods: always prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

Execution: Thor Gets It Done

Execution is where legends are made. When Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, was stolen, he wasted no time. With Loki’s help (and a disguise), Thor focused, strategized, and got his hammer back. His success shows the power of decisive action and collaboration.

Lesson: Execute with focus and accountability. And if it helps, channel your inner Thor.

Review: Learn Like a God

Every myth has a moral, and every project needs a review. The gods reflected on their victories and failures—even when things didn’t go their way. Reviewing outcomes is how they prepared for what came next, and it’s how your team will grow stronger.

Lesson: Analyze, adapt, and improve. Don’t let setbacks feel like Ragnarök.

Conclusion

Managing growth doesn’t require godlike powers, but it does help to think like one. Whether you’re building a fortress or scaling your business, the principles of execution planning, validation, readiness, execution, and review will guide you to success. Take it from the gods of Asgard: a little structure goes a long way.