How does the myth “businesses must always be growing” lead to unsustainable practices?

Growth is seen as a sign of success, but unchecked or poorly planned growth can destabilize companies. This myth pressures businesses into scaling even when they’re not ready.

The Dark Side of Constant Growth Pressure:

• 1. Growth Without Stability is Risky:

  • Expanding too quickly can strain cash flow, HR, and logistics.

  • Operational cracks appear when foundations are not solid.

• 2. Profitability > Growth:

  • Many businesses grow in revenue but lose money due to poor margin control.

  • Sustainable businesses prioritize healthy balance sheets.

• 3. Quality Often Declines:

  • To keep up with volume, quality checks may be skipped.

  • Brand reputation suffers from poor delivery or service.

• 4. Every Phase Has Value:

  • Stabilizing, streamlining, or optimizing is also progress.

  • A plateau phase can be used for strengthening core processes.

• 5. Not All Markets Require Scale:

  • Some niches reward specialization, not size.

  • Bigger isn’t always better—smarter wins.
    

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