Smell the flowers on the way up

Growth is a mantra that excites almost every entrepreneur and careerist. It is the keyword used in campaigns to sell almost anything. Terms like grow your business, expand your business, go for exponential growth; always got my attention. After attending the global conference of business leaders in Lisbon under aegis of CorporateConnections, I am having a serious rethink on the need to grow endlessly.

I accept that you cannot stand still in a fast-moving world, so I am opposed to sustenance or organic growth. I am rethinking mindless growth. All I am saying is that growth must have a goal and the journey must be beautiful at every step. Grabbing every opportunity that comes your way may impact the balance of life.

The global conference of CorporateConnections in Lisbon was a learning experience that highlighted the benefits of being part of a circle of excellence. What struck me the most was the transparency and candour of the discussions during the many sessions of the conference. When put on a table with peers, most meeting for the first time, it was surprising to see the ease with which each one opened to share their most intimate hopes and fears. Their life-book was opened for all to peek into, to derive lessons and to share experiences.

When you are put in a room with people who have successful journeys you are filled with inspiration to climb higher and faster. Growth was the common theme during discussion, personal as well as professional growth, and so were some of the expert sessions. What got me thinking were some of the candid disclosures that brought out the imbalance in their individual wheel-of-life while pursuing non-stop growth.?

Every new member I met presented a potential for a collaboration or sparked an idea for a new line of business. It was exciting to see how we could expand our sphere of business and influence. The enthusiasm was so infectious that one wanted to return to base immediately an embark on a new expedition. On returning to the hotel room, and reflecting on the specter of growth, new thoughts emerged.

Why do you want to grow bigger??To drive a Rolls when you haven't been outside the city in your Merc.?To have a meal at a Michelin restaurant when the last breakfast you had with your son was a year ago? What's the point in expanding to a new country when you reach home only after you daughter has gone to bed. And why buy your wife the latest Airpod Max when you don't have the time to listen to her tales? And what's the point in planning to ski in the Alps, when you don't even pause to play a board game with the family?

Growth needs a goal. It has to be part of a plan balanced with adequate attention to things other than business or career. The trade-offs have to be contemplated keeping all stake-holders in your life. It cannot be a selfish goal. It has to be a holistic goal that reaps benefits for all, your family, your people and your associates. It has to be balanced with a proportional dose of concurrent living. Living for yourself, for you parents, your spouse and your children.

Smell the flowers on the way up.