Recently a Business Leader asked me how’s it different to lead a Scaling up business vis-a-vis a normal growing business?

It’s like driving in a highway vis-a-vis driving within the city.

A moment of distraction can cause havoc in the highway for self and for others, whereas in the city one may manage to get away with a few dents and bruises. Scale-up requires increasedlevels of focus, attention, and ability to manage distractions.

A drive in the highway requires higher levels of preparation, at multiple levels – the vehicle readiness, robust mechanical condition, well-lubricated joints, proper fluid levels, ability torefuel. Scale-up requires adequate and thorough preparation at multiple levels. Whereas for a drive in the city, one may manage with lesser levels of such preparations.

A drive in the highway requires higher levels of planning, strategising in terms of route, food, stay, fuel, financesand such other requirements of self and fellow travellers. Scale-up requires higher levels of planning and strategising so that the odds for success is maximised. For a drive in the city one can get away with lesser levels of such planning.

If one gets stuck in the highway for whatever reason, help and rescue may be far and few; may take time. Scale-up requires safeguards and efforts to avoid getting stuck. In a city it’s easierto find help.

A drive in the highway moves one in to a whole new place – fellow travellers too. Scale-up takes the business and the people in to a whole new level – to a different orbit altogether. In a drive in the city, one doesn’t leave the city.

A drive in the highway results in higher fuel-burn per hour as you cover a lot more distance; consumes more fueltherefore. Scale-up consumes more energy, capital and resources.

A drive in the highway takes one through unfamiliar terrains, areas, new vistas, places, even different weather conditions.Scale-up takes one through different, unfamiliar territories, experiences, and changing conditions.

Highways are relatively less crowded. Scale-up businesses are fewer in number. Whereas City roads are crowded.

A drive in the highway often takes one out of their comfort zones, makes one adapt, adjust / re-adjust their needs,affairs, and responses. Scale-up moves people out of their comfort zones, makes them adapt and embrace the new.

Preparing and Leading a Scaling up Business – It’s different! Vastly different!

My name is PK NarayananWishing you the best, Thank you.