Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company

by Whitney Johnson

Creating a culture of learning and growth.

Growth is the goal. Helping people develop their potential—enabling them to articulate and become the self they want to be, are capable of being, and that best serves them and others in the short and long term—is what we as individuals and leaders strive toward.

But how do we grow? It turns out it happens in a predictable way, which means we can understand where we are in our growth and chart a way forward. In this compact, complete guide, Whitney Johnson dives more deeply than ever into the S Curve of Learning so that you can envision how growth happens and direct yourself and others in your organization to create a culture that fosters it.

The growth and learning journey comes in three phases: the Launch Point, the Sweet Spot, and Mastery. Compelling examples of successful people will show you when and why growth is slow, how to keep going, what to do when growth and learning are almost too fast to keep up with, and how to leap from one growth journey to another.

As individuals grow, so do organizations and societies. Growth is learning put into action—action that betters the world as we better ourselves and our small niches, both personal and professional, within it. Growth occurs when learning is internalized—when we try something new and invest the effort to move it from being something we do to something we are.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Management, Professional Development, Self Help

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2022

About the author

Whitney Johnson was named one of the world's fifty most influential management thinkers by Thinkers50 in 2017.

She is the author of the forthcoming Build an A Team (Harvard Business Press, 2018) and the critically-acclaimed Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work (2015). Publisher's Weekly described it as "savvy...often counter-intuitive...superb" while the Boston Globe called it the "'What Color is Your Parachute?' career guide for the entrepreneurial age."

Through writing, speaking, consulting and coaching, Whitney works with leaders to retain their top talent, to build an A team, and to help them earn the gold star–be a boss people love.

She formerly was the co-founder of the Disruptive Innovation Fund with Harvard's Clayton Christensen, where they invested in and led the $8 million seed round for Korea’s Coupang, currently valued at $5+ billion. She was involved in fund formation, capital raising, and the development of the fund’s strategy. During her tenure, the CAGR of the Fund was 11.98% v. 1.22% for the S&P 500.

She is also formerly an award-winning Wall Street analyst. She was an Institutional Investor-ranked equity research analyst for eight consecutive years, and was rated by Starmine as a superior stock-picker. As an equity analyst, stocks under coverage included America Movil (NYSE: AMX), Televisa (NYSE: TV) and Telmex (NYSE: TMX), which accounted for roughly 40% of Mexico's market capitalization.

Whitney is a frequent contributor for the Harvard Business Review, she has over 1 million followers on Linkedin, and her LinkedIn course The Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship has 1 million+ views.

She is a member of the original cohort of Marshall Goldsmith's #100 coaches.

Reviews

[Dennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this was a very long collection of cliff notes posted into a blog. Lots of stories, but not really any application

[Frank Calberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takeaways from reading the book:

Phase 1: The explorer phase
- Page 34: The explorer phase is about finding out what you want to explore.
- Page 34: The explorer phase is when you do your homework before committing to a course of action.
- Pages 36 and 62: The explorer phase is the time to step back and slow down. Time seems to expand when we do something new.
- Page 37: In the explorer phase, seeds grow. They often go unnoticed.
- Page 38: When Marco Trecoce started as Four Seasons CIO, CFO John Davison encouraged him to take the time to explore what needed to be done, get to know people and create a plan.
- Pages 41 and 87: Believe that you already are who you want to become. Doing that is one of the markers of moving from the explorer phase to the collector phase. Example: Instead of saying to yourself "I vote", say "I am a voter."
- Page 43: Do small tests to find out what you want to explore further.
- Page 54: To find out what you really want, get to know your shadow values and bring them out of the shadows. Example: If, as a kid, you were told "Get along with your classmates, but make sure you win," realize that this can influence your values, behavior and your personal growth. Success can lead to the greatest failure, which is pride. Failure can lead to the greatest success, which is humility and learning.
- Page 57: To find your why, ask people, who know you well, why they like being around you, and what their relationship with you does for them.
- Page 62: In the explorer phase, expect feeling both positive emotions such as excitement as well as negative emotions such as disorientation, anxiety, discouragement and/or impatience.
- Page 62: The most successful approaches to new S curves are characterized by patience and perseverance.
- Page 62: Do you believe you can achieve what you want to explore?
- Page 62: What is the right balance for you between doing something that is familiar as well as novel?
- Page 63: Are the rewards of what you want to explore higher than the costs?

Phase 2: The collector phase:
- Page 66: Find facts to learn if it makes sense to stay with the learning curve you have explored.
- Page 67: Children are open and curious. Everything exists for them to discover. They are experience collectors.
- Page 76: Collecting experiences from her past, Whitney Johnson learned that her mother loved to cook and also wrote cookbooks. in addition, she discovered that food is part of the ways that she feels and expresses love.
- Page 77: Focused attention results in successful collecting. Attention can both be 1) zooming out to see general patterns and 2) zooming in by listening to an idea of a friend about attending an event. A way to zoom in is to collect photos of something you want to do.
- Page 79: Collect feedback. Feedback gets us to focus our attention on things we do not see or may not want to see. Children are naturally good at this. They are willing to be wrong and learn.
- Page 81: The purpose of feedback is usually to help the other person to grow.

Phase 3: The accelerator phase:
- Page 105: When you learn, there is a physical change in your brain. New synapses form between cells that have not been connected before.
- Pages 115 - 118: As accelerators, we have the competencies we need, the autonomy we need, and we feel related / belonging to some people. Competence, autonomy and relatedness (CAR) help people feel confident.
- Page 122: When you are in the sweet spot, you are in control and in flow, learn continuously and can spend more of your time being.

Phase 4: The metamorph phase:
- Page 131: Focus on the now and the productive flow. Concentrate.
- Page 133: Keep working on the task. Continuously adapt.
- Page 133: Be present. Pay attention to what and who is right before you. Notice what is new.
- Page 134: Acknowledge experiences in childhood that caused pain and loss. Accept emotions you feel.
- Page 135: Ask yourself what you are grateful for.
- Page 135: Ask yourself who you want to be.
- Page 135: Be mindful. Focus on what you see, hear and can touch.
- Page 136: Eat healthy food.
- Page 138: Get enough sleep.
- Page 138: Do exercise.
- Page 139: Find out what differentiates you and focus on that. That strengthens mastery and makes it easier for you to say no to what is not related to that.
- Page 146: To optimize learning growth, find a good equilibrium between high and low levels of novelty.
- Page 148: Learn who to ask for help and to feel comfortable asking for help.
- Page 151: Metamorphosis involves patience.
- Page 154: Acknowledge good work by delivering concrete feedback about what is working and what you are learning from the person.

Phase 5: The anchor phase:
- Page 160: Once you have anchored new knowledge or skills, you trust that what you have accomplished, has lasting merit.
- Page 161: The anchor phase is a brief season of rest and reflection before you take the next leap.
- Page 161: In the anchor phase, what was new has become nearly effortless and automatic.
- Page 162: In the anchor phase, allow yourself to celebrate becoming the different person you set out to be.
- Page 164: Celebrate not only when you have reached mastery. Celebrate also at the S curve launch point when you first remember to do a new skill / behavior that you are developing. And celebrate while you are doing the new skill / behavior.
- Page 169: Much of the meaning associated with a meaningful ending is the meaning we alone make of it, the value we ultimately internalize from the hope, belief and effort we have expended in reaching our goal.
- Page 169: Be present and recognize what you have accomplished. Pause to recognize the victory in your memory.
- Page 175: As you reflect on the phases of your learning growth journey, ask yourself 2 questions: 1. What accelerated your growth? 2. What would you do differently if you could do it again?

Phase 6: The mountaineer phase:
- Page 178: As mountaineers we find a new mountain to climb.
- Page 178: We descend to ascend again.
- Page 180: The purpose of the human brain is to produce movement.
- Page 193: When you come down you exercise different muscles than when you go up.

[Bilal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I am looking for greater insight and to learn more about the book’s subtitle: “How to grow your people to grow your company”; and, because the book’s reviews are stellar. However, I didn’t know anything about the author beforehand.

The idea she presents is that one’s growth in any new and unmastered endeavor follows a S-shaped curve where the initial journey is slow as one tries to understand the parameters of the challenge and overcomes self-doubt. Then, with enough fortitude one reaches a point of competence where things become clear, and progress accelerates. Eventually, he or she has mastered the art and the progress slows down again. And this is also the time for a new challenge!

The framework of the S-curve makes intuitive sense to me, and I would think that anyone who has lived through and overcome a few challenges in life will find it similarly intuitive. Several books have been written to explain growth using one or another mental model. Johnson’s S-curve approach is helpful in framing one’s own growth and the growth of people in one’s influence, and in analyzing one’s life for how it has evolved from the growth perspective. But is it also useful in engendering personal growth? What I mean is that while I find the stages of growth as she describes correctly describing my own, I have not found—at least I am not conscious of it—that reading anything like this has helped me engineer my frame of mind to affect personal growth for the future.

The concepts presented in the book seem sufficient for a conference paper or a lecture, but not enough to warrant a book. I find that this and many other books classified under the “business” section are written under publisher pressure by people who have become well known authors, speakers, teachers, but that inevitably result in the final product being fluffed up with material that states the obvious. Much of the material here is common sense acquired from having lived and survived some curve balls; and there are just too many words than are warranted to convey the concepts.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but this one is rough. As in, it has the bones to be a decent follow-up to Johnson's other books on the S Curve, (eg Build an A Team) but it falls short.
This book breaks the three components of the S Curve of Learning (Launch, Sweet Spot, Mastery) into subsections (Explorer, Collector; Accelerator, Metamorph; Anchor, Mountaineer) and their ecosystem. I like this -- drilling down into the actions for each part of the curve. However, what was printed feels like an early draft of ideas and anecdotes for each section, as though the author was too busy to carefully craft her writing and polish it before the publisher insisted on seeing the pages and then went to print because of deadlines, not quality product.
There's nothing bad about the content, but it's not eloquent. Anecdotes dominant (almost all of them from Johnson's podcast interviews) but are not artfully integrated with each other or proceeding points; they are not whittled down to how they fully illustrate the concept but instead have their full story presented so that the point on which they connect to the chapter heading gets muddled. Because what is presented is example after example of an amazing S Curve success from beginning to end, even if the purpose was to illustrate a specifc point along the curve. As though the author had tagged stories with where they could go in the book, put all her notes in consecutive order, and that's what the publisher sent to the printer. [it's not as rough as that, but my hyperbole holds high level] Rather than carefully editing to get crystal clear on the thesis of that particular chapter and ensure everything hung on it and only it, cohesively and compellingly. Instead, if you're not already familiar with the S Curve from her earlier books, you might get lost in the concepts -- and vast number of stories.
The end pages of each chapter, helpfully greyed for quick access, are useful and concise. Potentially worthwhile in themselves.

It would be a great exercise in editing to take a chapter and fix it. If I was a college writing prof, this would be the midterm assignment...

[Emily Orton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company

I loved it!! It begins, "Growth is our default setting." And the truth bombs don't stop. I wish I could download Smart Growth directly into my brain. If you have ever wanted a clear map for navigating the practical and emotional microsteps of growth, this is your treasure trove complete with fascinating research, illuminating case studies and quick reference tables. As someone who tries to live and grow intentionally, this resonated deeply. I was highlighting, folding in page corners, and taking notes. If you run your own life or lead others in any capacity—Whitney Johnson will show you how to do it smarter. It deserves a thorough read and a permanent spot on your reference shelf. Get Smart Growth.

"Learning is the oxygen of human growth." -- Whitney Johnson

[Byron Edgington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we have a fine book written from inside, with a full description along what researcher E.M. Rogers called the S curve of what it takes to keep learning, keep growing, especially in a business setting. Ms Johnson follows that S curve as she describes the progress of leaders who characterize its essentials: A young Filipina who by rights should never have succeeded, a fellow whose epiphany came in a fetid sewer, a B school grad who understood early on the value of disrupting himself in order to progress. If the book has a central theme, it is to me at least the danger of stagnation, and the awesome rewards of knowing where we are on the S curve, and adjusting accordingly. If I owned a business, I'd want every employee, C suite or otherwise, to study this book.Smart Growth: How to Grow Your People to Grow Your Company

[Gurprriet Siingh · Rating 5 out of 5]

All leaders agree that they have to build future leaders. Over 50% leaders say the greatest impediment to business growth is lack of leaders. But, they struggle with the how of building future leaders. In Smart Growth, Whitney provides a framework that leaders and organizations can use to meet their business and talent growth objectives.

The standout for me, are the stories! Each story resonates deeply, establishes context and makes it personal and real.

I’ve always found the S-curve powerful and now, Whitney provides techniques, methods and tools that makes it even easier to bring to life, for self and others.

[Bryan Tanner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything written by LDS business author, Whitney Johnson, stands on the shoulders of her Harvard mentor, Clayton Christiansen’s research around Disruptive innovation.

The “S-curve” model Johnson first put forth in her book, Disrupt Yourself, is built upon in this book. She suggests the type of employees (where they are on the curve) that makeup successful businesses.

I don’t know if I agree with her conclusions, but it’s an interesting idea.

Fun fact: Johnson worked for a time at the Orem library.

[Jasmine Massa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw Whitney Johnson speak, in person, about the S-Curve. I really appreciated the concept and was hoping to get more detail and action items from the book. She used the writing style of stories and metaphors as devices to further illustrate her points. That, unfortunately, is not my preferred way of learning when it comes to self help books so it felt a little repetitive.

I would imagine I might have enjoyed this book a little more if I hadn’t seen her speak. She did a really great job breaking it down in presentation form.

[Davide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful S

Very little repetitive at the end, but very interesting.
I realized how much I growth in my journey and it would have been better if I would have already read this book.
I found a lot of point to reflect on my life, my goal, my relationship and what does mean growing.
I was able to apply some of the things Whitney Johnson suggested/showed even before finishing this book.

[Amy Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. Definitely a lot of personal food for thought about my own growth as a writer. Some of the management stuff didn't really apply to me since I don't manage a team, but the overall principles were helpful in thinking about working with others and encouraging ecosystems. I do think I lost some momentum as I was reading, and that may have contributed to my waning interest at the end. May re-read later...

[David Hutchens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the better books on learning and skill development that I’ve read. (And I’ve read a lot of ‘em.) The author’s great idea is that she takes the classic “s-curve” from Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation, and she applies it to personal growth. It’s an elegant model and so rich in application. Great book, and it has genuinely helped me make sense of what’s happening in my own career journey. (Hint: I’m near the top of my current S-curve, and ready to make a leap to a new one.)

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content in this book was exceptional, it was just a very hard book to read! Would have given it more stars had it just been a tad bit easier to read. Overall, I will recommend the book to people with the caveat. Take your time. It’s a difficult read.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always be learning and growing.

[Ric Raftis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Analogy

The S curve of learning is great explainer of the processes we go through on our learning journey. Well worth the read. Does waffle a little here and there.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for anyone who wants to grow and help others grow.

[Theodore Kinni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed it here: https://www.strategy-business.com/art...

[Praveen Santu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book to make your professional life better at some step. Thanks
https://uparchives.org/ios-154-update/

[Steven Ridgely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information

[Helio Jacinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I liked the book. She explains the S curve of Learning perfectly with great stories.
It's a book worth reading . .

[Chris Bauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise.

[Gaylynn Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspiring

[Darya · Rating 3 out of 5]

At different stage of your career this book may have a different impression. For me it gave a good reflection on my professional life. It has provided a summary of the stages that I passed. This is a good book overall as it structures the stages of knowledge and skills accummulation and helps to outline your next strategic step.

[Sharon Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart Growth takes us on a journey and captures so many beautiful pieces from Whitney Johnson's Disrupt Yourself Podcast.

Honestly Whitney Johnson's podcast is greatly influencing my reading list.

As I read this book I was reminded of all the amazing conversations. The richness of Smart Growth are the stories and how each different person navigates through The Stages of Growth. It is by sharing our lessons in wisdom as we are going through The Stages of Growth we grow and then in turn help our people grow.

Smart Growth follows the S Curve from the Launch Point, through to the Sweet Spot and into Mastery. Whitney Johnson shares the six stages of growth which include Explore, Collector, Accelerator, Metamorph, Anchor and Mountaineer.

The theme throughout the book is around the S Curve of Learning and the importance of being true to who we want to be.

If reading another book feels like too much. Whitney has captured summaries at the end of each chapter. Choose one chapter at a time. If you have not discovered her podcast, listen to one discussion at a time as highlighted throughout the book.

As you move through your S Curve remember to celebrate. Love how Whitney Johnson speaks to this in the Mastery stage and such a great reminder.

"Sometimes particularly when we're tired, its easy to forget what we did well, what we accomplished in our most recent waking hours. Self criticism can convince us the day was a failure, a waste. Remember to applaud the little victories. "

Over the past two years many of us have been riding many different waves. In the Mastery Phase, Whitney Johnson compares the S Curve to a wave rising, cresting, crashing and washing into share.

This thought by Laird Hamilton, American big-wave surfer captures this so well:
Every wave is the beginning. The ride, then the kick out, which is the end, and every wave is its own learning curve because every single wave is different.

The epilogue is beautiful as Whitney Johnson shares some of her insights from working with Clayton Christensen and his theory of disruptive innovation.

Highly recommend taking time to read Smart Growth. There is so much to savour in this beautiful book and one I will return to.

To the love of reading.

[Travis Standley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that gives a concrete model to growth and applicable to both individuals and teams. The phases of growth are relatable and easily understood. I listened to this one and now have the hard copy to review this excellent content further. Highly recommend this one.

[Jeffry NFT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the books. I think Johnson put all the concepts along with the practical examples or experiences very nicely to prove her points. Even though a lot of back and efforts between the examples that she cited but I still find it very interesting. In fact, i will re-read again one day. A book that i want to keep. I have been selling my old books as my part of sustainability effort. Cheers