Strategy, Structure, and Skills – The 3 Keys to Unlocking Business Growth

This year, I’m diving deep into the heart of what makes businesses grow and thrive. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure of your next move, or overwhelmed with how to get your business to the next level, this series is for you.

Throughout the year, I’ll be talking about three pillars: Strategy, Structure, and Skills. These aren’t just buzzwords. They are the foundation of any successful business. Think of them as the legs of a three-legged stool. If one leg is shaky or missing, the whole thing topples over.

Now imagine trying to use that stool to reach something high. Each leg represents one of the key pillars: strategy, structure, and skills. If one leg is missing or unstable, the stool becomes unreliable, and you can’t confidently stand on it to achieve your goals.

Whether you’re trying to sit or balance on the stool, it’s the same story: all three legs need to work together. When they are strong and secure, the stool becomes a solid foundation that lets you climb higher, work smarter, and grow stronger.

That’s the power of aligning your strategy, structure, and skills. When you get these three pillars right, you’re ready for real, sustainable growth.

The Three Pillars That Hold Your Business Up

In business, these pillars are Strategy, Structure, and Skills. They are the areas you need to focus on to create a foundation that can handle growth and change. Let’s dive deeper into each one:

1. Strategy: Your Game Plan

A solid strategy is like the compass for your business. It answers two big questions:

• Where are you going?

• How will you get there?

Without a clear strategy, it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day grind, chasing every shiny opportunity or trying to solve every problem at once. It’s like being on a road trip without a map or GPS. You’ll burn fuel and time but might never reach your destination.

A good strategy gives you focus. It helps you prioritise what’s important, decide what to say "yes" to, and, just as importantly, what to say "no" to. It’s about clarity of vision, assessing your starting point, understanding your external environment, setting clear goals and creating an action plan that aligns your resources with your vision.

Think of companies like Apple. They didn’t just stumble into success. Their strategy was crystal clear: focus on innovative, user-friendly products and premium branding. Your business needs its version of that clarity to thrive.

2. Structure: The Framework of Your Business

Structure is the backbone of your business. It’s about how everything is organised and operates. Without the right structure, even the best strategies can crumble.

Imagine building a house. If the foundation is shaky or the walls aren’t aligned, the whole thing becomes unstable. In business, structure means having:

• Clear roles and responsibilities for your team.

• Efficient systems and processes that streamline operations.

• A scalable framework that supports growth without breaking under pressure.

For example, think of a restaurant. Without a clear structure, orders get mixed up, customers wait too long, and the team becomes overwhelmed. But with a strong structure (defined roles for cooks, servers, and managers, along with efficient workflows) everything runs smoothly, even on the busiest nights.

When your business structure is solid, it gives you the confidence to take on more customers, expand into new markets, or tackle bigger challenges because you know the foundation can handle it.

3. Skills: The Tools in Your Toolbox

Skills are what make your strategy and structure come to life. As a business owner, you need core skills such as:

• Leadership to inspire and guide your team.

• Decision-making to choose the best path forward.

• Communication to share your vision and expectations clearly.

But it’s not just about you. Your team also needs the right skills to execute the plan. Imagine trying to win a football game with players who don’t know the rules or their positions. No matter how good the strategy is, the execution will fail without skilled players. Growth happens when everyone is equipped to perform at their best.

Bringing It All Together

When your Strategy sets the direction, your Structure supports the journey, and your Skills ensure effective execution, your business is ready for growth. It’s not about perfection. It’s about building a foundation that can adapt, evolve, and scale with your ambitions.

Therefore, as you think about your business, ask yourself:

• Is my strategy clear and focused?

• Does my structure support where I want to go?

• Do I (and my team) have the skills to make it happen?

These pillars are the framework for making your vision a reality.

What to Expect

Throughout 2025, I’ll be breaking down each pillar and sharing tips, stories, and practical advice to help you strengthen your business. Whether it’s how to create a vision for your business (strategy), streamline your operations (structure), or upskill your team (skills), there’s something for everyone.

No matter what industry you’re in, these three pillars apply. They are universal and timeless. Once you get them right, you’ll have the foundation you need to grow your business confidently.

So, stick around! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take things to the next level, this series will give you the tools to make 2025 your best year yet.

Let’s build something amazing together!

The above article is part of the Make Growth Happen Series which is tailored to empower business owners like you to develop the right strategy, structure and skills needed to take your business to the next level. .

Janice is a Certified Business Coach whose extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of business has set her on a mission to help business leaders turn their Vision into Reality. She works with them to develop the right strategies, structure, and skills needed to take their business to the next level. She is the Author of The Ten Commandments of Crisis Management. Janice also works with Christian business owners who desire to run their businesses based on Biblical Principles.