Discover how an operational focus can stall business growth. Insights from Art Saxby, CEO of Chief Outsiders, plus strategies to reignite momentum, overcome the barriers to growth, and prepare for 2025.
What's in store for today?
- Is an operational focus stunting your business growth?
- Solve challenges with clarifying questions
- Coach Corner: The 3 barriers to growth
You need to read this NOW...
I spoke with Art Saxby this week. Art is the founder and CEO of Chief Outsiders, a firm specializing in fractional leadership solutions.
His team consists of battle-tested marketing and sales executives whose primary mission is to help businesses reignite growth. He's also the author of The Growth Gears, a book about why some of the best-run companies have the hardest time growing.
Art blew my mind with this nugget of wisdom...
🤯 An Operational Focus may be Stalling Your Business Growth!
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Key takeaways...
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Some of the best-run companies struggle with growth because they’re too focused on internal operations. Their attention is locked within the company’s four walls.
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While the market may be soft right now, experts like ITR Economics and Chief Outsiders are predicting growth in 2025 and beyond. Are you ready to capitalize on this?
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You need to shift your focus outward to prepare your business for that growth. Growth won’t happen if you’re solely concerned with what’s happening inside your business—it's crucial to keep an eye on the market as well.
This is just a snippet of our conversation—stay tuned for the full interview, which will be released in September.
2. Solve challenges clarifying questions
This week, I had the pleasure of participating in a Small Giants coaching session, where about 18 business owners and leaders came together with a shared goal: to help each other tackle some tough challenges.
I’m always amazed by the power of group coaching, especially the impact of asking clarifying questions. Too often, we’re eager to jump straight to solutions. But taking the time to peel back the layers and dig deeper can lead to far more effective answers.
I encourage you to try this approach with your leadership team. It’s a powerful way to address the challenges your leaders might be facing.
đź’ˇHere's how it works...
One person on your leadership team acts as the "client," sharing a challenge or issue with the rest of the team, the "consultants."
- 1-2 minutes for the “client” to share their challenge
- 5 minutes for “consultants” to ask clarifying questions
- 5 minutes for consultants to share their feedback and ideas (client, turn off camera and mic and just listen!)
- 1 minute for the client to give a quick recap and share their thoughts back
Try it in your next weekly meeting to tackle those tough issues. The key is to get your team into the habit of asking clarifying questions before diving into solutions.
Want to learn how to accelerate growth and boost your company value - join our upcoming Foundations for Growth Masterclass 👇
3. Coach Corner: The 3 Barriers to Growth
I had a conversation with a business owner in Australia this week, and it sparked an idea on how I can bring even more value to this community.
So, here’s the plan: Starting this week, I’ll be creating a short video each week to help you reignite growth in your business and build momentum.
My conversation with Art Saxby got me reflecting on the strengths of operationally focused versus market-focused companies.
Operationally focused companies excel at building robust systems and processes. Market-focused companies thrive by staying attuned to market dynamics and adapting quickly.
But true momentum and scalable growth come from blending these two approaches—guided by a high-performing leadership team that knows how to balance internal efficiency with external agility.
I walk you through overcoming these Three Three Barriers to Growth in this video...
My vision is for this to evolve into a vibrant online community, but for now, enjoy this week’s coaching session!
One quote to start the week strong
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them."​- Bruce Lee
This is a quote I live by: Every goal achieved is just a milestone on the journey.
Have a great week!
- Jean
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