Want to Build an Amazing Company? Build Giants Around Baby Giants

Giants.

That’s who we are searching for. Big audacious giants. But, also, baby giants.

I have put a lot of thought into what makes great companies. Sure, it must start with a great product (selling ice to Eskimos is not easy). But then, it’s a team of giants who can do something with it.

This applies to all types of businesses. Corporate food, local food, giant service or small agency – it doesn’t matter. Without great people, a great product will never reach its potential.

What is a giant?

A giant is someone who constantly beats problems with solutions. A giant is always thinking about big picture wins. A giant has a great personality. A giant fights to establish operational excellence. A giant lives the core values. Arguably, a giant versus a non-giant could be defined as doers versus creators. A doer will simply do what you say to do and will not be energized to challenge things to make it better, whereas a creator is the opposite. And above all of that, a giant has integrity.

How are giants created?

Through opportunity. Through turbulence. Through adversity. With grit, determination and a commitment to excellence. I believe there are traits that giants are born with, but situational giants are equally valuable.

Just as important as hiring giants is moving non-giants out as fast as possible. Every great business advisor talks about hiring slowly and firing quickly. This is important when building a business of giants. Why? There are several reasons.

First, giants can still get cancer – meaning, if you don’t move out non-giants who are cancerous to your work environment, their behavior can turn a giant (temporarily, in many cases) half empty. When a giant becomes half empty and doesn’t have a career doctor around, that giant will fail to meet their potential.

Second, without giants around, your customer can suffer regardless of the widget you sell. And ultimately, while a customer is buying your product, if it isn’t backed by superior giant service, then the customer’s value opinion of that product will decrease.

Third, baby giants motivate big giants. The collaboration between the two is nearly unstoppable. Baby giants grow up to become giants and more giants in a company will lead it to greatness.

So, what type of organization do you desire? A company of non-giants featuring doers or a business of giants and baby giants challenging norms to create an ultimate experience for the client?

I choose the latter.