Individualism vs. Growth - Growing an Organization

There are great examples of corporate growth and leadership in real estate development. Hines and Trammell Crow come quickly to mind. As a startup we struggle regularly at Milhaus with trying to keep control of our brand and our product with the goal to grow and make a significant impact in our industry. How do you balance growth that you desire without giving up control? I think the answer is you have to give up some of the control, but it is incredibly important to find the right people and partnerships. Some of it depends on whether you believe in the inherent nature of the good in other people, and that combined with being fortunate enough to find the right people who have the same philosophical leanings and goals as your organization. It seems that the best way to keep control of the situation is for trust these people enough that they trust you.

There is no greater lessen I have learned in my somewhat short business career when thinking through how I can maximize my impact on my industry than the focus on building a solid team. Finding solid teammates and giving them enough room to do what they do well, yet at the same time staying on top of them to drive them to compete and push them outside their comfort zone is a delicate balance. There is of course a risk and reward with every relationship, and you can’t always win; but it seems like when I look at the relationships that were not successful, it seems that there were early signs that those would have never worked. The people upon which any organization grows require constant communication among them and a realization that no one can do everything themselves. Success here allows you and the organization to grow in new and meaningful ways.

“There must always, always be a burning in your heart to achieve. In the quiet of your solitude, close your eyes, bow your head, grit your teeth, clench your fists, ache in your heart, vow and dedicate yourself to achieve, to achieve.” - Trammell Crow

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Photo from Murphy Center at UNT where Crow received a Murphy Award for his lifetime achievements in business and philanthropy.