Are You a Growth Leader? 7 Key Traits to Accelerate Business Success
How Growth Leader Transform Companies: 7 Must-Have Traits
The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence;
it is to act with yesterday’s logic
– Peter Drucker
In today’s fast-paced business world, maintaining the status quo isn’t enough. Leaders must actively seek new opportunities, embrace challenges, and drive continuous growth. But what truly sets the most successful growth leaders apart from the rest?
According to a McKinsey study of 165 C-suite executives, the leaders who excel at growth share a specific set of beliefs and behaviors. These seven traits enable them to grow their top line twice as fast as their peers. The question is: Are you ready to lead this way?
1. Growth Is the Top Priority—Always
Statement: I am all in
Growth leaders are relentless in making growth their number one priority. It’s not just a quarterly goal; it’s a daily commitment. One CMO shared how their CEO set growth targets at three times the market rate. By pushing the boundaries, they exceeded two-and-a-half times the expected growth. For growth leaders, opportunities to innovate and outpace competitors exist everywhere. They are "all in"—placing growth at the heart of every decision, meeting, and review. This unyielding focus on expansion drives their success.
2. Embrace Risk and Be Willing to Fail
Statement: I am willing to fail
Growth leaders aren’t afraid to make bold bets, knowing that risk is part of the journey to success. The study shows that European growth leaders are 70% more likely to make multiple growth investments compared to their peers. They create a portfolio of growth initiatives to diversify risk and improve the odds of success. These leaders foster a culture where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success. Their belief—I am willing to fail—empowers teams to innovate without fear.
3. Know Your Customer Inside and Out
Statement: I know my customer as a person, not as a data point
Great growth leaders don’t just analyze data; they understand their customers on a deeply personal level. Instead of relying solely on reports, they interact directly with customers to uncover their true needs. One executive, for instance, spent an entire day shadowing a customer, learning about their fears, desires, and challenges. Companies led by growth-focused executives are 70% more likely to prioritize this kind of customer-first approach, leading to more personalized and effective strategies. Growth leaders live by the statement: I know my customer as a person, not as a data point.
4. Favor Action Over Perfection
Statement: I favor action over perfection
In a world where speed often trumps precision, growth leaders understand the power of momentum. They don’t wait for perfect data or insights before acting—they seize opportunities quickly, using "good enough" information to make bold decisions. As one leader noted, "Always look for opportunities around you and be willing to jump." The belief I favor action over perfection helps them stay ahead of the competition by acting decisively and iterating on solutions as needed. Success comes to those who take action, not those who wait for the perfect moment.
5. Fight for Long-Term Growth
Statement: I fight for growth
While many leaders cave to short-term pressures, growth leaders think long term. They allocate resources strategically, ensuring that growth initiatives have the funding and support they need to thrive. In North America, growth leaders are 70% more likely to set aside specific funds for future growth. Their mindset—I fight for growth—ensures they protect long-term investments even when short-term demands arise. These leaders are constantly thinking ahead, positioning their businesses for sustainable success.
6. Share Your Growth Story Frequently
Statement: I have a growth story I tell all the time
Purpose drives progress. Growth leaders know that inspiring their teams requires more than just targets; it requires sharing the "why" behind their growth ambitions. They consistently communicate their growth stories, both internally and externally, motivating teams and aligning stakeholders. In Europe, growth leaders are 80% more likely than their peers to frequently share their growth successes. By continually sharing a compelling narrative—I have a growth story I tell all the time—they foster a sense of purpose and momentum throughout the organization.
7. Empower Others to Lead Growth
Statement: I give control to others
Growth is not a solo endeavor—it requires the entire organization to contribute. The best leaders empower their teams to make decisions and take risks. Growth leaders invest time in building up their employees’ "growth muscles," ensuring that decision-making is distributed across the company. One leading consumer goods company even ensured that product, engineering, and sales teams made decisions jointly, breaking down silos to foster collaboration. The belief—I give control to others—enables teams to take ownership of growth, creating a culture of shared success.
Growth leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about having the right mindset. The seven growth leader traits outlined above set growth leaders apart from the rest, allowing them to drive exceptional results and create lasting success. As McKinsey’s research shows, adopting these traits can double your growth rate. So, ask yourself: Are you ready to become a growth leader?
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