Managing in business today
is much like running the
rapids of a river... A constant
flow of water with no place
to rest in the calm pools between rapids or challenges. The cycles are compressed and change is constant.

The Growth Model is used to show how both organizations and relationships develop over time. It shows the impact change has on traditional growth patterns and the most appropriate management style for each phase.

Is your organization trying to reinvent itself? If it is you may be at the critical "bifurcation" stage or crossroads. WWC expertise may be just the thing you need to help your management team through these phases of critical challenges. Read on and ask yourself which phases of growth your business is in. Then contact us for further information.

Phase I

• Forming is the first stage of any business development (an idea, concept or the start of any relationship)
• Storming is the bringing of that idea/concept to the marketplace; it is often the "rocky" stage where operating norms and relationships are established.
• Managers comfortable with entrepreneurial tasks react positively to the challenges in this phase.

Phase II

• Norming is characterized by establishing processes, procedures and operating models, those characteristics hold for teams and/or relationships.
• Performing is successfully utilizing the processes, procedures and operating models
• Managers who enjoy structure and process prosper during this phase of growth.

Late Phase II

• Often begins by a change to the established operating models (an outsider enters the marketplace challenging the way business is done). Bifurcation is the critical junction where businesses need to adopt to the challenge and reinvent themselves.
  
• How the organization or relationship reacts to the change often will determine success or failure.
  
• Managing or reacting to the significant change may require a transformation, or the ability to adopt and change to answer the challenge.
  
• Successfully transforming or reinventing organizations and relationships requires leadership skills and behaviors.

Phase III

• Transforming much like Phase I requires developing new approaches and operating models.
• The big difference from Phase I is we have to change
  existing operating models and be open to creativity.