A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.” (Prov.21:22 KJV)
IBM by all standards is a remarkable company, but at some point in its growth trajectory lost relevance. By 1984, they were the toast of Wall Street. Less than a decade later, they lost their toast by recording the biggest loss in the history of corporate America. The much-celebrated investor delight became somewhat a dinosaur (one that has passed the peak of effectiveness or popularity) in less than no time.
The near-death experience of IBM could be attributed to weak responses to leadership, market and technological shifts in the global economy. Thankfully, they bounced back to growth and success albeit a difficult and painful process. This they did by scaling the entire business.
Scaling has become a fad or buzz word in business circles these days. Some business people talk about scaling their business without being intentional about it or even knowing what to do.
It’s important to state that scaling in life or business is much more than achieving growth. It is growing most efficiently and effectively. A growth minded entrepreneur may just focus on increasing revenue without watching the expense line. In scaling a business, you focus on scaling all the variables either up or down. A common scale is used.
If your focus is just to make profits or be successful, the chances are high that you would lose relevance in no time. But if you focus on creating value, which is the core reason for scaling, then you’ll constantly seek to improve and in turn remain ever green, remarkable and relevant.
The world and its systems are constantly changing at the speed of light. Therefore, you must continuously scale any self-imposed or environmental barriers, improve unabatedly to remain ever remarkable and relevant in life.
I discovered from our text and other Scriptures that wisdom is what I need to continue to scale my destiny to higher heights. Ditto for anyone that believes for his or her life, business or ministry.
Therefore, we shall examine five ways by which we can engage the wisdom of God for scaling.
1. Have the Right Skill Set.
Skills rightly applied will give success. (Eccl.10:10 NIV) Build competencies and make your core strengths your competitive advantage.
2. Plan, Process, Program and Prosecute.
Wise planning, use of the senses, goal-oriented execution and continuous improvements are major requirements for a lasting and impactful enterprise or life. (Prov.24:3-4 TLB) Strategize based on your core competencies. Also, standardize processes with the aim of periodic reviews to ensure cutting edge service deliveries.
3. Stir the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
For the believer in Christ, the Spirit of Grace that’s at work in you is an advantage. Activate your sound mind, love and boldness and use your gifts or talents in creating value to your assigned customers, followers, proteges or community. (2 Tim.1:6-7)
4. Commit to Scaling.
What you don’t commit to, you don’t command! What you don’t commit to, you don’t come into it. Scaling must be intentional for you. Isaiah prophesied, “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.”
5. Build Partnerships.
You need collaborations. Two are better than one. You can scale up with the right mix of skills, customers, suppliers, mentors, proteges and other helpers of joy. Scaling is a collection of relationships. Ben Stein summarized it thus, “Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement, all success, all achievement in real life grows.”
I pray that the fear of the Lord will initiate you into the School of Wisdom as you make Jesus -The Wisdom of God, your Lord and Savior.
To your scaling,
✝️Tochukwu Kemakolam
Prime Minister