How to Build a Growth System

Episode title optionsPrimary recommendation (sharp + timely): “Don’t Automate Chaos: Why Most AI Transformations Fail”Alternatives (more/less provocative):“Rocket Boosters on Paper Planes: The AI Implementation Trap”“AI Isn’t the Problem—Your System Is”“Agentic AI, Real Risk: How to Avoid Scaling Dysfunction”“The 80% AI Failure Rate: What Leaders Keep Missing”“AI Transformation ≠ IT Project: The Systems Approach”Episode summary (listing copy)Companies are spending thousands — even millions — on AI. And then… confusion. Worse outcomes. More complexity. More opacity. Sometimes, real reputational or legal blowback.In this episode of How to Build a Growth System, Colin and Chris unpack why so many AI rollouts are failing to deliver measurable value — and why the “race to AI” is pushing organisations into a dangerous pattern: automating broken systems.Drawing on widely reported failure rates (including claims that ~80% of organisations see no measurable positive impact), they argue the core issue isn’t the model, the vendor, or whether GenAI “works.” It’s that leaders are treating AI like just another tool rollout, when it’s actually a business transformation problem.The conversation explores:Why AI often becomes “a rocket booster on a paper aeroplane”How agentic AI can amplify risk when goals, rules, and context are unclearReal-world cautionary tales (including public failures like AI drive-thru ordering and misguided regulatory chatbots)The systemic causes behind bad outcomes: broken processes, contradictory information environments, weak governance, and unclear ownershipWhy “move fast and break things” becomes far more dangerous with autonomous systemsThe missing ingredient: systems education at the executive levelAnd crucially, they outline what to do instead: treat AI as a transformation programme, understand and redesign the underlying system first, and only then layer intelligent automation on top — with governance that enables speed through clarity, not just legal risk mitigation.The takeaway is simple: AI can be a force multiplier — but only for organisations with foundations solid enough to multiply what works, not what’s broken.

Dashboards get all the attention — but they don’t actually move the business. They just report the news.In this episode of How to Build a Growth System, Colin and Chris go one level deeper, exploring the signals underneath the dashboard and how to turn them into feedback loops that make your business faster, smarter, and harder to knock off course.They break down feedback loops in plain language: a loop isn’t a metric you monitor — it’s a signal that reliably triggers action and creates learning. From thermostats and sweating to customer reviews and churn, feedback loops are operating in every business whether you harness them or not.You’ll learn:What feedback loops are (and why they’re the “control wiring” of the organisation)The difference between reinforcing loops (that compound change) and balancing loops (that restore stability)Why “flywheels” are only part of the story — and how loops interact across teamsHow qualitative “quiet signals” (call transcripts, support themes, community chatter) can be better leading indicators than headline metricsA practical way to audit your loops using signal → insight → decision → action and the hidden killer: latencyCommon failure modes: listening too slowly, too much noise, and dead loops with no ownershipWhy acting faster isn’t always better — and how overreacting can create oscillations and unintended side effectsThe big takeaway: if you want dashboards that truly help, start treating them as gauges of the loops that drive behaviour, not a wall of numbers. Tune into the right signals, assign ownership, and build operational rhythms that turn feedback into action — at the right speed.

SummaryIn this conversation, Colin and Chris explore the dysfunctions caused by poorly designed dashboards in organizations. They discuss how metrics can mislead teams into believing they are successful while the reality is quite different. Through examples like the Royal Bank of Scotland, they illustrate the dangers of metric fixation and the importance of designing dashboards that reflect true performance. The discussion emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards valuing truth and learning over mere numbers, and offers practical advice for revenue leaders on creating effective dashboards that drive meaningful outcomes.TakeawaysDashboards often misrepresent reality, leading to false success.Metric fixation can create a culture of gaming the system.Siloed dashboards can cost businesses over a trillion dollars annually.Goodhart's Law highlights the dangers of tying metrics to compensation.Effective dashboards should have counter metrics to prevent gaming.Shared ownership of metrics can reduce departmental silos.AI can help refine metrics but doesn't replace the need for good design.Cultural change is necessary to prioritize learning over gaming.Identifying toxic dashboards is crucial for organizational health.A minimum viable dashboard should focus on a few key metrics.Chapters00:00 The Dashboard Dilemma02:05 The Illusion of Success06:36 The Cost of Metric Fixation09:53 Goodhart's Law and Its Consequences14:30 From Good Intentions to Dysfunction21:00 Identifying Toxic Dashboards23:55 The Dashboard Dilemma27:36 Designing Effective Dashboards33:00 Shared Metrics and Collaboration35:00 The Role of AI in Metrics38:15 Practical Advice for Revenue Leaders43:52 Cultural Shifts in Metrics Management

Fast growth is supposed to feel like momentum. But for many companies, it quietly turns into friction.In this episode of How to Build a Growth System, Colin and Chris unpack the concept of growth debt — the organisational equivalent of technical debt — and why it may be costing scaling companies 20–30% of their revenue without anyone realising.Starting with Stripe’s finding that a third of developer time is lost to technical debt, the conversation zooms out to show how similar dynamics play out across people, processes, systems, and culture. The result? Teams working harder than ever, yet delivering less. Strategy that looks great on slides but never quite lands. And organisations that slow down just as they try to accelerate.Through a real-world SaaS case study, Chris explains how a well-intentioned attempt to speed up sales created cascading failures across customer success, marketing, onboarding, and data — a textbook example of growth debt compounding over time.The episode explores:What growth debt actually is (and why it’s more dangerous than technical debt)How complexity, context switching, and tool sprawl erode performanceThe warning signs leaders miss — from stalled strategy execution to rising churnWhy throwing more tools, people, or budget at the problem usually makes it worsePractical ways to surface, measure, and start paying down growth debt before it becomes existentialThe key takeaway? Sustainable growth isn’t about moving faster everywhere — it’s about knowing where to slow down, reducing complexity, and designing systems that still work when you double in size.If you’ve ever felt like your organisation is running at full speed but getting nowhere, this episode will help you see why — and what to do next.

Most leaders treat silos as a collaboration problem.In this episode, Chris and Colin argue they’re something else entirely.Silos aren’t caused by people failing to work together — they’re the natural output of the systems those people are working in.Through real-world examples, systems thinking, and practical tools, this episode breaks down:why smart, well-intentioned teams still end up working at cross-purposeshow organizational structure quietly overpowers individual intentand what leaders can actually do to diagnose and fix the real causes of siloed behavior.This is a diagnostic-first conversation focused on fixing systems, not blaming people.What you’ll learn in this episodeWhy silos form even when everyone is competent and motivated (Hint: structure beats intent, every time.)The difference between people problems and system problems — and how to tell which one you’re actually dealing with.Why “alignment meetings” rarely create alignment and often make the underlying issues worse.How Conway’s Law shows up in customer experience (your org chart leaks into your product).Why coordination costs rise exponentially as organizations scale — and what that means for growth teams.How to spot systemic friction including misaligned goals, unclear ownership, broken handoffs, and siloed data.Value Stream Mapping, explained simply and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for diagnosing growth friction.A concrete lead management example showing how hours of delay and wasted effort can be eliminated with better system design.The role of shared goals, shared context, and incentives in breaking silos sustainably.Practical advice you can apply this week without mapping your entire organization or launching a transformation program.

SummaryIn this episode, Colin and Chris explore the concept of self-organization as a superpower for B2B growth. They discuss the paradox of agility versus control, the impact of bureaucracy on innovation, and the cultural biases that lead to over-control in organizations. Through the metaphor of a bowling lane, they illustrate the importance of clear purpose and boundaries in enabling teams to self-organize effectively. The episode also features a case study on Burt's Org, a healthcare company that successfully implemented self-organizing teams, leading to improved outcomes. The conversation concludes with practical advice for leaders on fostering self-organization within their teams.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Growth Systems02:48 The Paradox of Agility and Control05:50 The Impact of Control on Innovation08:39 Cultural Bias Towards Control10:31 The Bowling Lane Metaphor for Purpose12:53 Case Study: Burt's Org and Self-Organization15:42 Implementing Self-Organization in Teams17:41 Final Thoughts on Control and GrowthKeywordsB2B growth, self-organization, agility, control, innovation, management, organizational design, growth systems, leadership, team dynamics

In this episode of The Growth System, Colin and Chris explore the concept of mastery within B2B growth systems, emphasising the importance of personal and professional development. They discuss the role of psychological safety in fostering an environment where individuals can thrive and the need for organisations to understand the dimensions of mastery, including technical proficiency, strategic understanding, and transformative capability. The conversation also highlights the risks associated with mastery silos and skills decay, advocating for a more holistic approach to knowledge transfer and development within organisations. In this episode, Chris and Colin discuss the importance of managing intellectual capital within organisations, emphasising the need for active management to prevent skills decay. They explore the role of feedback loops in knowledge management and how embedding AI mastery is crucial for future organisational success. The conversation also delves into the concept of collective mastery and networked intelligence, highlighting the significance of cultural fit in hiring practices. Finally, they touch on the future of intellectual capital and the integration of AI in organisational processes.00:00 Understanding Mastery in Growth Systems06:01 The Role of Psychological Safety14:05 Dimensions of Mastery20:10 Breaking Down Mastery Silos24:29 Addressing Skills Decay27:36 Managing Intellectual Capital30:12 Feedback Loops in Knowledge Management34:37 Embedding AI Mastery in Organizations41:15 Collective Mastery and Networked Intelligence48:38 The Future of Intellectual Capital and AI

This conversation delves into the complexities of incentives within B2B growth, emphasising the importance of understanding how compensation structures influence organisational behaviour. The discussion highlights the balance between short-term and long-term goals, the impact of feedback loops, and the consequences of misalignment between stated values and actual incentives. The speakers share cautionary tales of incentive mismanagement and explore the nuances of fixed versus variable compensation in driving desired behaviours. In this conversation, Chris and Colin delve into the complexities of sales incentives, discussing how to structure them effectively to drive desired behaviours and outcomes. They explore the pitfalls of traditional incentive systems, the importance of aligning incentives with long-term goals, and the need for adaptability in incentive plans. The discussion highlights the significance of measuring inputs and outputs, the dangers of gaming the system, and the role of both financial and non-financial incentives in motivating sales teams.00:00 Understanding Incentives in B2B Growth03:02 The Impact of Compensation Structures05:58 Short-Term vs Long-Term Incentives08:56 Feedback Loops in Incentive Systems12:08 Misalignment of Values and Incentives15:00 Cautionary Tales of Incentive Mismanagement17:58 Balancing Fixed and Variable Compensation24:54 Transforming Sales Incentives30:37 The Gaming of the System32:51 Designing Adaptive Incentive Systems39:53 Long-Term vs Short-Term Incentives45:41 Final Thoughts on Incentives

In this episode of The Growth System, Colin and Chris delve into the critical role of collaboration within B2B growth systems. They define collaboration as the key interconnection that facilitates the flow of information and decision-making across teams. The discussion highlights the importance of quality collaboration, identifying pitfalls such as excessive meetings and poor communication practices. Best practices for effective collaboration are explored, emphasising the need for shared purpose and operational rhythm. The episode also addresses the significance of asynchronous communication in reducing meeting overload and enhancing productivity. This conversation explores the evolving nature of collaboration in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of asynchronous communication, the balance between synchronous and asynchronous work, and the impact of AI agents on teamwork. The speakers discuss how effective communication strategies can enhance productivity and decision-making, while also addressing the challenges posed by static frameworks in dynamic environments. They delve into the rise of AI agents, their role in augmenting human capabilities, and the need for governance and explainability in AI workflows. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the future of work and the necessity of adapting collaboration practices to incorporate AI technologies.00:00 Understanding Collaboration in Growth Systems07:11 Identifying Collaboration Pitfalls12:11 Best Practices for Effective Collaboration20:52 Designing Operational Rhythm for Collaboration25:51 The Role of Asynchronous Communication32:36 Enhancing Collaboration Through Asynchronous Communication35:56 Balancing Synchronous and Asynchronous Work44:11 The Rise of AI Agents in Collaboration57:59 Navigating the Future of Work with AI

In this episode, Colin and Chris delve into the complexities of authority within organisations, exploring how it is often misunderstood as a binary concept tied to org charts. They discuss the Viable System Model and the importance of distributed control, emphasising the need for feedback loops in decision-making processes. The conversation shifts to the balance between centralisation and decentralisation, highlighting the pitfalls of both extremes. They also touch on the significance of organisational culture and the role of shadow authority in shaping decision-making dynamics. Ultimately, the episode underscores the importance of understanding the informal networks and true power dynamics that exist within organisations. In this conversation, Colin and Chris explore the complexities of authority within organisations, particularly in the context of mission-based teams and the growth team operating system. They discuss the importance of understanding informal authority structures, the management of cross-functional teams, and the need for clear governance to ensure effectiveness. The conversation also delves into how authority evolves during crises and the significance of scenario planning to prepare for potential disruptions. Ultimately, they emphasise the need for organisations to be agile and adaptable, fostering a culture that can respond to changes and challenges effectively.00:00 Understanding Authority in Organisations06:35 Balancing Centralisation and Decentralisation16:26 Feedback Loops and Organisational Health22:54 Shadow Authority and Informal Networks30:44 Mapping Authority Structures33:01 Managing Mission-Based Squads41:11 Authority in the Growth Team Operating System47:11 Navigating Authority During Crises54:54 Building Agile Organisations

In this episode, Colin and Chris delve into the importance of workflows in B2B growth systems, discussing the challenges of documenting processes and the complexities of organisational culture. They explore how to identify friction points in workflows, the significance of as-is mapping, and the need for holistic optimisation of interconnections between processes. The conversation emphasises the necessity of understanding the real workings of an organisation to improve efficiency and effectiveness in growth strategies. In this conversation, Chris and Colin explore the complexities of integrating technology into organisational processes, emphasising the importance of aligning strategies with real-world execution. They discuss the risks of over-engineering solutions without proper understanding and the necessity of stakeholder buy-in for successful implementation. The dialogue highlights the significance of pilot programs, cultural resistance to change, and the strategic application of automation to enhance workflows while avoiding common pitfalls. 00:00 Understanding Workflows in Growth Systems05:12 The Complexity of Documenting Processes09:59 Identifying Friction Points in Workflows15:05 Mapping Current Processes for Improvement19:52 Optimizing Interconnections and Interfaces24:55 Designing Achievable Workflows26:18 Integrating Technology for Process Improvement32:00 Bridging the Strategy to Reality Gap36:31 The Importance of Pilot Programs39:21 Cultural Resistance to Process Adoption43:11 Strategic Automation in Workflows

In this episode of The Growth System, Colin and Chris delve into the critical role of technology infrastructure in B2B growth. They explore the concept of systems thinking, emphasising the importance of a well-architected tech stack that serves as the nervous system of an organisation. The discussion covers the balance between centralisation and local autonomy in tech decisions, the rise of shadow IT and AI, and the need for collaborative ownership of infrastructure decisions to ensure effective governance and synergy across business units. In this conversation, Chris and Colin explore the evolving landscape of technology in growth teams, emphasising the importance of RevOps in making informed technology decisions. They discuss the challenges posed by the proliferation of tools, context switching, and cognitive load on employees. The conversation highlights the need for democratization of technology use within organizations and the potential of AI to streamline processes and reduce the burden of managing multiple applications. Ultimately, they advocate for a human-centered approach to technology integration in order to enhance productivity and collaboration.00:00 Introduction to B2B Growth Systems01:50 Understanding Infrastructure in Growth Systems06:33 The Role of Feedback Loops in Tech Stacks09:49 Centralisation vs. Local Autonomy in Tech Decisions15:28 The Rise of Shadow IT and AI22:43 Emerging Capabilities in Technology29:29 Collaborative Ownership of Infrastructure Decisions32:32 The Role of RevOps in Technology Decisions38:01 Empowering Teams with Technology40:16 The Proliferation of Tools and Context Switching47:29 Cognitive Load and Decision Fatigue52:24 Addressing Tool Tribalism and Fragmentation56:04 The Future of AI in Reducing Context Switching

In this episode of The Growth System, Colin and Chris delve into the concept of organisational structure through a systems thinking lens. They discuss the importance of aligning structure with purpose, the role of accountability charts versus traditional org charts, and the balance between formal and informal structures. The conversation emphasises the need for cross-functional collaboration and mission-based teams to drive effective growth in organisations. In this conversation, Chris and Colin explore the dynamics of mission-based teams, emphasising the importance of decision-making, accountability, and psychological safety. They discuss how to align purpose within teams and the significance of individual contributors in fostering a culture of continuous growth and mastery. The dialogue also touches on the need for a systems-oriented culture that encourages individuals to see beyond their immediate tasks and understand their role within the larger organisational framework.00:00 Understanding Organisational Structure03:04 The Role of Purpose in Structure05:57 The Accountability Chart vs. Org Chart09:08 Navigating Formal and Informal Structures12:08 Balancing Standardisation and Autonomy14:52 Cross-Functional Collaboration and Mission-Based Teams29:42 The Importance of Decision-Making in Mission-Based Teams32:43 Aligning Purpose and Accountability in Teams36:15 The Dynamics of Team Structure and Composition39:46 Fostering Psychological Safety and Mutual Understanding42:30 The Role of Individual Contributors in Team Success49:05 Building a Systems-Oriented Culture

In this episode of The Growth System, Colin and Chris delve into the critical role of resources within B2B growth teams. They explore the distinction between tradable and non-tradable resources, emphasising the importance of strategic resource allocation and alignment with organisational goals. The conversation highlights the need for both internal and external alignment of resources to achieve desired outcomes and the ethical implications of resource allocation in relation to company values. The hosts also challenge the traditional view of resource accumulation, advocating for a leverage-based approach to maximise efficiency and effectiveness in achieving strategic objectives. In this conversation, Chris and Colin explore the evolving landscape of resource allocation in businesses, particularly in the context of technological advancements and market dynamics. They discuss the implications of Google's maturation as a company, the importance of agile resource management, and the human factors that influence organizational effectiveness. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a resource-conscious culture, the role of leadership in managing resources, and the significance of measuring resource effectiveness beyond financial metrics.00:00 Introduction 01:04 Understanding Resources in Growth Teams05:23 The Importance of Resource Allocation12:15 Internal vs External Resource Alignment21:25 Aligning Resources with Purpose and Values23:01 Resource Accumulation vs. Resource Leverage31:33 The Evolution of Google and Market Dynamics34:09 Resource Allocation Strategies in Business37:41 The Human Element in Resource Management40:40 Creating a Resource-Conscious Culture47:03 Velocity in Resource Reconfiguration50:34 Leadership's Role in Resource Management57:04 Measuring Resource Effectiveness

In this episode of The Growth System, Colin and Chris delve into the significance of metrics and measurables in B2B growth, exploring how they link to strategy and purpose. They discuss the role of metrics as system drivers, caution against the misleading nature of data, and highlight the pitfalls of relying on metrics like MQLs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a balanced measurement strategy that includes leading, lagging, and lurking indicators, and warns of the reinforcing loops that can arise from poorly defined metrics. In this conversation, Chris and Colin explore the complexities of metric selection and its impact on organizational behavior. They discuss the importance of understanding both positive and negative spirals that metrics can create, the interplay between different metrics, and the significance of data transparency. They emphasize the need for narratives behind metrics to provide context and meaning, and how defining success through metrics can shape organizational performance. The discussion highlights the potential pitfalls of relying solely on metrics without considering their broader implications.00:00 Introduction to Metrics and Measurables01:09 Linking Strategy to Metrics03:43 The Role of Metrics in Purpose05:35 Metrics as System Drivers10:41 Cautionary Tales: The Wells Fargo Example11:59 The Misleading Nature of Data17:39 The Problem with MQLs19:32 Leading, Lagging, and Lurking Indicators23:18 The Importance of a Balanced Measurement Strategy27:06 Reinforcing Loops in Metrics29:36 System Failures and Metric Selection32:13 Positive and Negative Spirals in Metrics36:08 The Interplay of Metrics and Organizational Behavior40:38 Nonlinear Effects of Metrics on Brand and Morale43:36 The Importance of Data Transparency50:25 Narratives Behind Metrics55:01 Defining Success Through Metrics

In this episode, Colin and Chris delve into the concept of strategy within the Growth Team Operating System, emphasising its role as a connective tissue between purpose and execution. They discuss the importance of unclustering from competitors, the fractal nature of strategy across different organisational levels, and the essential elements of good strategy, including alignment with purpose and the significance of making deliberate choices. The conversation also highlights common pitfalls in strategic planning and execution, advocating for a dynamic approach that integrates strategy with operational realities. In this conversation, Chris and Colin delve into the intricacies of strategy, emphasising the importance of integrating execution with strategic planning. They discuss the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static document and advocate for a dynamic approach that includes regular reflection and adaptation. The conversation highlights the significance of trade-offs in strategy, the necessity of giving teams permission to innovate, and the value of feedback loops in optimizing performance. They also explore methods for testing strategies, such as red teaming and scenario planning, to ensure robust strategic frameworks.00:00 Understanding Strategy in Growth Teams02:59 The Importance of Unclustering05:58 Fractal Nature of Strategy08:51 Defining Good Strategy11:52 Why Strategies Fail14:54 The Role of Purpose in Strategy30:03 Integrating Strategy with Execution40:20 Planning vs. Execution: The 90-Day Cycle51:03 Testing and Validating Strategy

In this episode, Colin and Chris delve into the significance of values within B2B growth, emphasising their role in shaping company culture and guiding decision-making. They discuss the importance of aligning stated values with actual behaviours, the impact of values on employee satisfaction, and the challenges organisations face in bridging the gap between intended and emergent values. The conversation also highlights how individual values can influence organisational culture and the importance of values during times of stress. In this conversation, Chris and Colin explore the critical role of organisational values, especially during times of stress and change. They discuss how values can be tested under pressure, the importance of alignment between declared and lived values, and the need for flexibility in adapting values over time. The conversation emphasises the necessity of embedding values into the organisational structure and practices to ensure they are lived out daily. They conclude by reflecting on the deep structural role of values in shaping organizational identity and guiding behaviour.00:00 Understanding Values in B2B Growth03:09 The Role of Values in Company Culture05:56 Values and the Growth Team Operating System09:02 The Impact of Values on Employee Satisfaction11:48 The Reality vs. Aspiration Gap in Values15:07 The Emergence of Individual Values18:07 Values Under Pressure: True Colours of Organisations25:19 Navigating Organisational Values Under Stress29:54 Flexibility and Employee Well-Being32:48 The Importance of Alignment in Values35:08 Evolving Values Through Feedback38:05 Embedding Values in Organisational Structure44:24 Summarising the Role of Values in Organisations

SummaryIn this episode of The Growth System, Colin and Chris delve into the foundational concept of purpose within the Growth Team Operating System. They explore how purpose serves as the cornerstone of organisational structure, guiding decision-making, fostering resilience, and enabling self-organisation. The discussion emphasises the importance of a clearly articulated purpose that aligns with the organisation's goals and adapts to changing contexts. Through various examples, including the case of Lego, they illustrate how a strong purpose can drive strategic differentiation and navigate crises effectively, ultimately shaping the identity and direction of the organisation.TakeawaysPurpose is the foundation of the growth team operating system.A strong purpose aligns the organisation towards common goals.Purpose acts as a guiding principle for decision-making.Mental models help embed purpose within the organisation.Purpose creates resilience in the face of challenges.Clear purpose aids in navigating crises effectively.Purpose can drive strategic differentiation in the market.Organisations must continuously listen to signals from the environment.Purpose is dynamic and should evolve with the organisation.A well-defined purpose can prevent misalignment and confusion.00:00 Introduction to the Growth Team Operating System02:48 Understanding Purpose in Systems06:06 The Role of Purpose in Organisational Structure08:47 Purpose as a Guiding Principle11:57 Mental Models and Self-Organisation14:57 Purpose and Organisational Resilience17:54 Navigating Change with Purpose20:54 Purpose in Times of Crisis23:59 Purpose and Strategic Differentiation27:00 The Dynamic Nature of Purpose29:56 Final Thoughts on Purpose

In this episode, Colin and Chris delve into the concept of business operating systems, emphasising their importance in achieving organisational goals. They discuss the dimensions of a growth team operating system, including purpose, strategy, values, operations, and the role of feedback loops. The conversation highlights the need for a structured approach to business operations to drive efficiency and success. In this conversation, Chris and Colin explore the complexities of creating effective organisational structures through the lens of operating systems. They discuss the importance of self-regulation, the need for guardrails in decision-making, and the challenges of emergent operating systems that can lead to misalignment. The conversation emphasises the significance of breaking down silos to foster alignment and the role of innovation as a transformative method within organisations. They also highlight the necessity of cultivating a learning organisation that empowers individuals at all levels to drive continuous improvement.TakeawaysA business operating system is essential for predictable operations.Defining your operating system allows for optimisation and improvement.Purpose and measurables are critical components of an operating system.Values directly influence how work is accomplished in an organisation.Innovation is key to continuous improvement in business processes.Feedback loops help maintain balance and guide systems towards goals.All dimensions of an operating system are interconnected.A strong operating model can significantly increase revenue growth.Understanding the difference between strategy and tactics is crucial.Cybernetics provides insights into how systems self-regulate. Creating a structure for self-regulation is essential in organisations.Everything within an organisation is interrelated and impacts overall functioning.Guardrails are necessary to guide decision-making processes.Self-organisation can lead to productive outcomes if managed correctly.Emergent operating systems can result in misalignment if not properly structured.Breaking down silos is crucial for organisational efficiency and alignment.Innovation should be integrated into the operating system for effective transformation.Socio-technical alignment is key to driving innovation within teams.Cultivating a learning organisation is vital for ongoing growth and adaptation.Distributing authority empowers individuals to contribute to continuous improvement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Business Operating Systems04:47 Defining the Business Operating System09:48 The Importance of Purpose and Strategy14:59 Exploring Values and Operations19:51 Dimensions of a Growth Team Operating System25:12 The Role of Feedback and Cybernetics in Systems30:11 Conclusion and Future Episodes27:12 The Importance of Self-Regulation30:11 Guardrails for Decision-Making32:22 Understanding Emergent Operating Systems35:28 Breaking Down Silos for Alignment36:53 Empowering Innovation in Organisations43:15 Cultivating a Learning Organisation

SummaryIn this episode, Colin and Chris discuss the critical importance of sales and marketing alignment in B2B growth. They explore the concept of self-organisation within teams, share personal stories that highlight the pitfalls of superficial alignment, and delve into the financial implications of misalignment, which cost businesses in the us alone up to a trillion dollars annually. The conversation emphasises the need for shared goals and holistic thinking to overcome siloed practices and achieve true alignment, ultimately driving organisational success and enhancing customer experience. In this conversation, Chris and Colin discuss the critical need for alignment between sales and marketing teams in B2B organisations. They emphasise the importance of shared goals, effective time horizons for goal setting, and the establishment of a robust operating system to facilitate collaboration. The discussion also highlights the concept of self-organisation within teams, advocating for a cultural shift that prioritises long-term alignment over short-term wins. The episode concludes with reflections on the systemic nature of misalignment and the necessity for organisations to redefine their values and operational principles to foster a culture of growth and innovation.TakeawaysSales and marketing alignment is essential for driving growth.Self-organisation within teams can enhance alignment.Superficial alignment does not lead to meaningful results.Misalignment can cost businesses a trillion dollars annually.Only a small percentage of sellers find MQLs valuable.Goal conflict arises from siloed thinking in organisations.Shared goals are crucial for effective collaboration.Short-term targets can hinder long-term success.Holistic thinking can resolve misalignment issues.The financial benefits of alignment are significant. Sales and marketing should operate as a unified team.Shared goals can bridge the gap between teams.A North Star metric helps align efforts.Monthly targets may hinder long-term success.An effective operating system is essential for growth.Self-organisation enables teams to adapt and innovate.Misalignment is a cultural issue, not just tactical.Values alignment fosters a culture of trust.Tactical autonomy empowers teams to pivot effectively.Collaboration is crucial for achieving shared objectives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to B2B Growth and Alignment02:12 The Importance of Self-Organisation in Teams06:11 Understanding Alignment: A Personal Story10:02 The Size of the Prize: Financial Implications of Misalignment15:56 Identifying the Root Causes of Misalignment21:59 The Role of Shared Goals in Achieving Alignment27:47 Aligning Sales and Marketing for Success33:15 The Importance of Time Horizons in Goal Setting36:32 Building an Effective Operating System42:09 Fostering Self-Organisation in Teams49:25 Cultural Shifts for Long-Term Alignment