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If you're running a small business, the word “growth” is probably always on your mind. You're juggling a million things, wearing multiple hats, and constantly looking for that edge, that strategy, and a playbook to take you to the next level.
You've got passion, grit, and a great idea, but sometimes, translating that into consistent, sustainable small business growth feels like trying to solve a never-ending puzzle.
What if there were a proven framework—a way to get everyone in your company not only moving in the same direction, but also excited about it? What if your employees understood the financials, felt a real stake in the outcome, and actively looked for ways to improve performance?
That's the power of the Great Game of Business. And we believe it can be your ultimate playbook for small business growth!
How Great Game Impacts Small Business Growth
You've heard the buzzwords: employee engagement, transparency, performance culture. But the Great Game of Business isn't just a collection of terms. It's a practical, systematic approach to running your business that reveals the collective intelligence and potential of your entire team.
At its core, Great Game is about teaching your employees how the business really works. It's about opening the books (in a way that makes sense!) and showing everyone how their daily actions impact the bottom line. When people understand the rules of the game, they're empowered to play better.
Think of it like coaching a sports team. You wouldn't just tell your players to "go win." You'd teach them the plays, show them the scoreboard, and help them understand their role in achieving victory. The Great Game applies this same logic to business.
The Three Pillars of the Great Game Approach
The Great Game methodology rests on three core pillars:
- Education: This is where you teach everyone the financials and the key metrics that drive your business. You educate your team on your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow. More importantly, you show them the Critical Number™—the KPIs that truly matter for your success, creating a financially literate workforce.
- Empowerment: Once your team understands the numbers, they can start to impact them. You empower employees by giving them a voice, encouraging them to identify problems, suggest solutions, and take ownership of their results. This involves regular Huddles—short, frequent meetings where teams review their numbers, share progress, and identify challenges and opportunities.
- Engagement & Recognition: This is where you create a culture of winning together. You implement MiniGames™, short-term, focused initiatives designed to improve a specific critical number. When teams hit their targets, they share in the success through rewards and recognition. In return, it drives engagement and fosters a true ownership mentality.
Driving Results with the Great Game Playbook
Small businesses often have a unique advantage: agility and a close-knit team. GGOB’s proven system amplifies these strengths by:
- Creating a Shared Purpose: When everyone understands the goals and how their work contributes to them, it fosters a powerful sense of team and shared purpose. This is incredibly motivating for employees.
- Boosting Financial Literacy: Employees who understand the financials are more likely to make smart decisions that positively impact profitability. They'll think twice about waste and proactively look for cost savings.
- Driving Innovation: By empowering employees closest to the work, you tap into a fresh source of ideas for improvement and innovation.
- Improving Communication: The regular rhythm of huddles and open communication builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Building a Resilient Culture: When challenges arise, a team that understands the business and feels ownership is better equipped to solve problems and find solutions together.
Getting Started: Implementing GGOB
One of the most effective ways to implement The Great Game is with the guidance of an experienced coach. Our certified coaches have been in your shoes and can provide the support, expertise, and accountability you need to successfully implement the methodology and see real results!
If you're considering bringing a coach on board, we have a helpful guide on Selecting the Right Small Business Coach for Your Company. This article will walk you through the process and help you find the perfect fit for your business!
Join Our Free Virtual Workshop
Beyond coaching, we host Discover the Game, a FREE virtual workshop every month. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to create a financially engaged team, how to apply GGOB principles, and have the opportunity to ask our experienced coaches questions.
The Great Game of Business Conference
Discover the Game is a fantastic starting point, but if you're ready to truly immerse yourself in the world of open-book management, there's no better place to be than our annual conference!
For over 30 years, the Great Game of Business Conference has been the premier gathering of "game changers" – leaders and employees from companies of all sizes and industries who are committed to building thriving, transparent, and profitable cultures.
Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself, your team, and the future of your business!
Continuing Your Journey with Great Game
Ultimately, your small business growth playbook is written by your entire team. It's not just about top-down directives, but about fostering a culture where everyone is engaged in working smarter and contributing to the journey.
Extensive research, including studies by Gallup, has shown that highly engaged employees are directly linked to improved productivity, increased profitability, and reduced turnover.
Ready to build an engaged workforce and see the transformative impact on your bottom line? It's time to Discover the Game and start writing a winning playbook for your future!
