The Strengths of Being Small

There seems to be an almost universal drive in business to grow and become big. It seems like a laudable goal, but growing large just for growing large’s sake could be a recipe for disaster for your organization.

There will always be a need for large organizations. But, there is also a need for small, nimble organizations that can turn on a dime and affect change quickly. In fact, large organizations, which have long since lost the ability to move quickly, need smaller organizations to reach important side goals.

The Leadership of companies need to look long and hard at whether becoming large is a goal that is in the best interest of their organization. The fact that your company is fast on its feet may be the most marketable product you have to offer. Growing to the size of your competitors could thrust you into a market where you are no longer noteworthy.

There is a reason that the military has small special forces units. They are quick, mobile and easy to deploy. That is nothing to be ashamed of; it’s actually a point of pride.

If You Are Big, Be Big

The biggest danger in this conversation is when organizations forget their identity and try to act outside of their nature. If you are a part of a large company, embrace it. There are advantages to being big. Leverage those advantages and outsource those quick moving goals to organizations or teams that can move quickly.

If you are part of a smaller company, leverage your strengths. You can move fast and meet the dynamic needs of your clients better than anyone else. This is competitive advantage that will make you money. In other words, if you are in a bass boat, be careful of trying to land a whale whose needs could pull your boat under and destroy your business altogether.

I’m not saying that growing to be the biggest fish in the pond isn’t a great and desirable goal. What I am saying is, be careful of what you wish for. You may find yourself in the middle of a large organization that has morphed into something that is completely different from your original vision.

Look at the problem or need that your organization addresses. Is that need better addressed by a large infantry or a small specialized force? If the answer is special forces, set your sights on becoming the most nimble specialized force out there.