In an era where personal and professional growth is paramount, companies that prioritize the holistic development of their employees stand out from the crowd. One such company is Hometown Logistics, where CEO Nate Roberts has spearheaded the implementation of a powerful Growth Cycle training program.
The Origins of the Growth Cycle
The Growth Cycle training wasn’t born from a corporate handbook or a consultant’s recommendation. Instead, it emerged organically from the collective wisdom of Hometown Logistics’ leadership team. As Nate explained, “Over the last five, six years here, we’ve kind of narrowed it down into, okay, where are people getting stuck? What have they not learned in school or college or their prior careers?”
Through countless late-night dinners and brainstorming sessions, the leadership team, including Zach Biddle, Chris Renzi, Taylor Lynch, and Tim Brandt, distilled their experiences into a five-stage cycle that aims to foster a growth mindset in every team member.
The Five Stages of the Growth Cycle
1. Motivation
The first stage of the Growth Cycle is motivation. As Nate emphasizes, “Nobody’s just motivated by money. Most people’s top motivation is not money to begin with.” Instead, motivation often stems from a combination of factors, such as a desire for success, career growth, proving oneself, or making someone proud. Understanding these motivations is crucial before embarking on any personal or professional growth journey.
2. Persistence
The second stage is persistence, which is defined as the four or five daily disciplines that you know have to happen every single day and you’re going to do them no matter how you feel. These daily disciplines are the cornerstone of growth, helping individuals stay on track even when faced with challenges or fluctuating moods.
3. Stick with It
The third stage, “Stick with It,” addresses the mental hurdles that can prevent people from achieving their goals. Nate explains, “A lot of times people are so close to getting over the next breaking point and breaking a ceiling and they start to take that foot off the pedal.” This stage encourages individuals to push through self-doubt, fear of success, and external distractions, to continue pursuing their growth objectives.
4. Pay the Rent
Once individuals achieve a certain level of success, the fourth stage, “Pay the Rent,” kicks in. “If you don’t keep putting the work in and paying your rent on success, that’s going to dry up real quick for you and go backward very, very quickly.” This stage emphasizes the importance of maintaining effort and never resting on one’s laurels, as complacency can quickly lead to regression.
5. Want More
The final stage, “Want More,” is a reminder that growth is an ongoing journey. Nate shares, “Some point that switch has to turn. It’s like, okay, ‘I want more stability. I want more freedom with my family. I want more retirement savings.’” This stage encourages individuals to continuously reassess their goals and aspirations, setting new targets and reigniting their motivation to grow further.
Keeping the Growth Cycle Top of Mind
While the Growth Cycle training is comprehensive, Hometown Logistics recognizes the importance of reinforcement. Nate explained, “All of our leaders do monthly huddles with every single team member.” During these huddles, leaders engage in discussions centered around the Growth Cycle, helping team members identify their current stage and ensuring their daily disciplines align with their goals.
The Impact of the Growth Cycle
The Growth Cycle training has had a profound impact on Hometown Logistics’ team members. Nate shares, “You’ll see people, and they’re a little timid. Maybe that confidence is not there, maybe they’re not as upbeat, but when they start investing more in themselves, they get engaged in our culture, they really appear to be happier.”
Beyond the workplace, the Growth Cycle has fostered a sense of inner peace and resilience. As Nate states, “When you grow in the business world in that sense, then yeah, you might get stung here and there. But you’re really always focused on what you’re truly able to get to as the next level. So you’re not worried about today’s results because you have your sight on what you really want.”
Embracing the Growth Mindset
The Growth Cycle training at Hometown Logistics is more than just a corporate program; it’s a way of life that fosters a growth mindset. By understanding their motivations, cultivating daily disciplines, pushing through challenges, maintaining effort, and continuously setting new goals, team members embark on a journey of personal and professional growth that transcends the workplace.
“I’m not growing for the sake of necessarily money or success, but I’m attacking growth from an enjoyment level that I enjoy learning new things and strengthening these areas of my life, and that’s where you find a little bit more happiness.” – Nate Roberts, CEO, Hometown Logistics
In a world where growth is the currency of success, companies like Hometown Logistics are leading the way by investing in their people and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing the Growth Cycle, individuals can unlock their full potential and find fulfillment in the journey itself.
Listen to the episode: Gut + Science | Episode 234: Make Your Box Bigger with Nate Roberts
Key Takeaways:
- Overcoming fear and maintaining momentum.
- The need for consistent effort in success maintenance.
- Finding enjoyment in the growth process.
Things to listen for:
[03:23] Overcoming challenges and finding growth in life.
[07:05] A growth mindset leads to continuous progress.
[11:26] Importance of planning for growth and enjoyment.
[15:02] Identifying and implementing motivation and growth strategies.
[18:43] Fear of success hinders achieving potential.
[22:57] Leaders hold monthly huddles to discuss growth.
[24:00] Encourage long-term goals to drive motivation.
[27:42] Elevate people without trying to convince them.
