One of the things I do with my clients is create a growth area development plan. But before we dive into what that means, let's talk about why it matters to you as an agency owner.

You know that feeling when you're aware something in your business needs improvement, but you're not quite sure how to tackle it? Maybe it's delegation, or perhaps it's your approach to team conflict. These are what we call growth areas – specific aspects of your leadership or business that need focused attention to reach their full potential.

What is a Growth Area?

Think of a growth area as a skill, process, or aspect of your business that's currently holding you back from the next level of success. It's not about pointing out failures – it's about identifying opportunities for improvement that align with your values and vision.

For example, one of my clients realized her growth area was giving feedback. She was amazing at building relationships with her team, but when it came to addressing performance issues, she would avoid the conversation entirely. This avoidance was affecting team productivity and her own peace of mind.

Understanding Growth Area Development Plans

A growth area development plan is your roadmap for improvement. It's not just a vague goal like “get better at leadership” – it's a structured approach that breaks down exactly how you'll develop in your identified area.

The beauty of these plans is that they're completely customized to you. They take into account your current skills, your learning style, and your available resources. They also consider the unique challenges of running an agency while trying to grow as a leader.

Components of an Effective Plan

Let's break down what goes into a growth area development plan:

Current State Assessment

First, we honestly evaluate where you are now. What specific challenges are you facing? What's working and what isn't? This isn't about judgment – it's about clarity.

Desired Outcome

We define what success looks like. If you're working on delegation, maybe success means having your team independently handle client projects while maintaining quality standards.

Action Steps

This is where we get practical. We break down exactly what you'll do to move from your current state to your desired outcome. These steps should be specific and achievable within your busy schedule.

Timeline and Milestones

We set realistic timeframes for progress, acknowledging that growth happens gradually and that you're balancing this development with running your business.

Support and Resources

We identify what you need to succeed – whether that's training, mentorship, tools, or accountability partners.

Sample Growth Area Development Plan

Let's look at a real example. Say your growth area is delegation:

Current State:

• You're involved in every client project
• You review all work before it goes to clients
• Your team waits for your approval on most decisions

Desired Outcome:

• Team independently handles client work
• Quality maintained without your constant oversight
• Clear decision-making framework in place

Action Steps:

1. Document your quality standards and decision-making criteria
2. Create a project management system that includes checkpoints
3. Train team leads on quality review process
4. Practice stepping back while maintaining oversight
5. Gradually increase team autonomy

Timeline:

• Week 1-2: Documentation and system creation
• Week 3-4: Team training
• Month 2: Supervised implementation
• Month 3: Gradual reduction of oversight
• Month 4: Full implementation with periodic check-ins

Making It Work

The key to success with these plans is understanding that growth isn't linear. There will be days when you nail it and days when you fall back into old habits. That's normal and part of the process.

What matters is having a clear plan to return to, celebrating your progress, and staying committed to your development. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is moving you closer to being the leader your agency needs.

This is about more than just improving a skill – it's about transforming how you show up as a leader and creating space for your business to thrive.

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