The ability to scale a business is directly correlated with the rhythm in which the organization operates. At AVL Growth Partners, we often refer to this rhythm as “cadence”—the pace and discipline needed to maintain consistent progress. 

To be ready for growth, we must ensure your team has the organizational discipline to meet deadlines, stick to routines, and keep momentum alive. Here are a few ways to gauge readiness in your company as measured by cadence. 

What is Your Company’s Culture with Deadlines?

Take a moment to evaluate: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your company’s culture when it comes to deadlines? For example, if a report is due on May 14, how does your team respond? Is it delivered early on May 14? A day or two later after prompting? Or closer to the end of the month after significant prompting?

Consistency in meeting deadlines sets the tone for how seriously your team takes its responsibilities. Whether deadlines are hard and fast or loosely adhered to, they define your company’s operational pace. If deadlines are flexible, this lack of structure can quickly translate into missed opportunities and slow growth.

What is Your Organization’s Cadence?

Next, ask yourself: What is the cadence of your meetings? Do key meetings happen on time, consistently, and with the right people present? Or do they frequently get postponed or canceled?

The culture of cadence is critical. If monthly finance reviews are the most canceled meeting, it suggests the team may not see the value in them. If meetings regularly wrap up unresolved or are held to discuss other meetings, this could point to inefficiencies disrupting the company’s growth pace. Everyone needs to be in sync, dancing to the same drumbeat to maintain momentum.

What is the Cost of Distraction?

AVL Growth Partners CEO Chris Schwalbach says, “Early in my career, I found it challenging to stick to dates and maintain a steady cadence. As an entrepreneur, my attention was often pulled in many directions. Founders and CEOs are notoriously prone to being ‘squirrel chasers,’ jumping from idea to idea, and letting deadlines and cadence slip down the list of priorities.”

A lack of discipline can have a ripple effect throughout the organization. The flexibility many leaders value can also negatively impact the overall pace and accountability of the company. 

Schwalbach continues, “It wasn’t until I brought in the right team members—a COO, a CFO, and others who helped create the rhythm of the business—that we saw consistent progress.” 

Often overlooked, these roles are the unsung heroes of organizational growth. They keep the drumbeat steady, ensuring everyone else follows suit.

Building a company culture that values discipline, consistency, and accountability will create a lasting company ready to capitalize on opportunities efficiently, thoughtfully, and without losing momentum. Growth does not happen by accident—it happens when every part of the organization moves in sync toward its goals.

AVL Growth Partners is a fractional finance, accounting and human resources services company supporting early-stage growth companies in pivoting to the next level of growth. We serve clients across the U.S. with offices in Denver, Austin, and Atlanta. For details, visit avlgrowth.com or connect with us at hello@avlgrowth.com.