As the CEO of a high-growth agency, you’re probably used to moving fast, making quick decisions, and driving the business forward on your own terms. It’s this tenacity and drive that helped you get to where you are today. However, as your agency scales, your role must shift. One of the biggest challenges in leading a growing company is learning how to bring your team along with you on the journey. Without their full engagement and understanding of how they contribute to growth, you risk creating a disconnect that will leave you feeling frustrated and your team feeling lost.
Here’s how to ensure that as you move forward, your team moves with you, helping the agency grow as a cohesive unit.
1. Understand the Shift from Solo Driver to Leader
When you first started your agency, it was likely just you—or maybe a small handful of people—doing everything. In the early stages, being fast and independent was a strength. You were nimble, and decisions were made quickly. But as your company grows, this approach becomes unsustainable.
With growth comes complexity, and complexity requires a different kind of leadership. Your team is expanding, roles are becoming more specialized, and the systems that once worked for a small business no longer apply. As CEO, your job is no longer to do everything yourself. Instead, it’s to lead, delegate, and make sure everyone understands where the company is heading and how they play a part in that journey.
The sooner you embrace this mindset shift, the more successful your agency will be in navigating the growing pains that come with scaling.
2. Bring Your Team Along for the Journey
One of the biggest frustrations CEOs face in a high-growth environment is feeling like the team isn’t keeping up. You’re moving at lightning speed, and it feels like everyone else is dragging their feet. But before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to ask yourself: Have I brought them along for the journey?
It’s easy to assume that everyone on your team knows what’s happening and where the company is headed, but that’s not always the case. As the CEO, you have the bird’s-eye view of the business, and you’re thinking ten steps ahead. Your team, on the other hand, is often focused on their immediate tasks, which means they might not see the bigger picture unless you clearly communicate it to them.
Take the time to explain the company’s growth trajectory and how their work fits into the overall strategy. Regularly share updates on where the agency is going and the milestones along the way. More importantly, explain how their roles directly contribute to that growth. When team members understand how their work impacts the success of the company, they are more motivated, engaged, and likely to rise to the challenge of a fast-paced environment.
3. Clarify Expectations and Roles
In high-growth agencies, roles and responsibilities can evolve quickly. What someone was doing last month might not be the same as what they’re doing now. This fluidity can lead to confusion if roles aren’t clearly defined or communicated.
As the CEO, it’s crucial to regularly check in with your team to ensure that everyone knows what’s expected of them. Clearly outline their responsibilities, the goals they should be working toward, and how their efforts will be measured. When expectations are transparent, people can focus on their work without second-guessing whether they’re aligned with the company’s direction.
This clarity is especially important as you bring on new team members. Onboarding new hires into a fast-moving, high-growth agency requires a detailed approach. Ensure that they are not only aware of their own role but also understand how the company is structured, how decisions are made, and how they can contribute to the broader mission.
4. Foster a Culture of Open Communication
One of the most effective ways to ensure your team stays aligned with your vision is to foster open communication. Encourage regular feedback loops where team members can voice concerns, ask questions, and provide input. This isn’t just about holding regular meetings; it’s about creating a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up when they don’t understand something or when they see a better way to do things.
As the CEO, it’s also your responsibility to listen actively and make adjustments based on the feedback you receive. Sometimes, team members have insights that you might not have considered. By being open to their perspectives, you can make more informed decisions that benefit the entire agency.
Additionally, transparent communication helps build trust within the team. When people feel heard and valued, they are more likely to stay engaged, even during challenging periods of rapid growth.
5. Lead with Empathy
Growth is exciting, but it can also be stressful. As your agency scales, your team is facing new challenges, adjusting to new processes, and taking on more responsibility. It’s essential to lead with empathy during this time.
Recognize that not everyone will move at the same speed as you, and that’s okay. Be patient, provide support where needed, and celebrate small wins along the way. By showing that you care about their development and well-being, you create a positive work environment where your team feels empowered to perform at their best.
Conclusion: Grow Together, Succeed Together
As your agency grows, bringing your team along with you is crucial for long-term success. By shifting from a solo driver to a leader, clearly communicating the company’s vision, defining roles, fostering open communication, and leading with empathy, you’ll create an environment where your team is fully engaged and equipped to help the company thrive.
Leadership in a high-growth agency isn’t about moving fast alone—it’s about moving forward together. And when you do that, your agency will be unstoppable.