In a health and human service market landscape where referrals and reimbursement for almost every service seems to be in question, growth and diversification are the antidote for most executive teams. But growth brings its own challenges. A recent article—How To Navigate Rapid Growth—discusses the “growth fault line.” This is the point in organizational growth where the very qualities that have driven its early success—mission focus, cohesion, and collaboration—begin to erode.

The leadership paradox is that the initial homogeneity that fueled strong connections with employees and customers must give way to diversity and heterogeneity. This is a necessary departure from the very culture that once drove the organization’s success. The authors identify three ways for leaders to thrive during…