Happy Tuesday, Reader!

There’s no question that every small- and micro-business leader is having to make tough decisions right now about how best to serve their team, customers, and community. But this is not the first time we’ve faced economic uncertainty, which is why I know sustainable business growth is still possible—and perhaps more necessary than ever.

Sustainable growth means evolving, changing, and blooming over time without burning people out. For a business to have sustainable growth, there must be an alignment of three things: people, systems, and habits.

Here’s why:

• Business strategy doesn’t work without a firm grasp of how to align with people.​
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• Even aligned people will not succeed sustainably without solid business systems.
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• Finally, any long-term project boils down to what we do every day, so aligned habits are critical to the success of any individual or company.

Only when these three areas are aligned can we create community, impact, and, of course, profits all at the same time.

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Make no mistake. This level of alignment may seem simple, but it can only be achieved with intentionality and focus. And, it requires two key phases I call The Build and The Waterwheel.

The first stage of building this essential alignment is about laying the foundation.

As we begin a new journey, there is always critical planning and unpacking work to be done. At Realign Consulting, we think of this as a four-part process that we typically work through in a two-day strategy retreat:​

• Step 1: Co-create a safer, braver environment to grow within.
• Step 2: Release the past & get clear on current realities.
• Step 3: Create a vision for the future.
• Step 4: Agree on ownership roles & accountabilities.

Each step is a crucial foundational element. Without them, the second alignment stage isn’t possible because having usable energy requires that we build something first.

The second stage for creating alignment focuses on consistent realignment.

Once stage one is complete, growth looks more like a wheel than a path. I like to think of this as a waterwheel rather than the modern “flywheel” analogy. A waterwheel relies on a more consistent, less frenetic energy that is more fitting for sustainability-minded companies.

This ongoing cycle of growth can be reflected in four parts:

1. Gain Perspective: New insights and perspectives inform adaptations, new cycles, and future opportunities.
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2. Reflect & Assess: Reflect on what’s been happening as you work through your plan and assess your current state in quick pulse checks daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly.
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3. Celebrate & Repair: Regularly celebrate wins with your team, and learn how to make repairs that build trust and strengthen relationships over time.
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4. Recommit to Action: Recommit yourself or renegotiate your intentions at strategic points throughout the year.

Where do you need to realign to support the sustainability of your business in these uncertain times?

Reply to this email and let me know which of the three critical alignment areas—people, systems, or habits—you most need support with.

ntil next time,
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Renia C.

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