Anyone running a business can tell you that expansion doesn’t typically occur along a straight line. It comes in waves, with periods of compression followed by growth and expansion. One of the greatest challenges in running a small business comes during the times of compression.

There is a natural phenomenon that provides an excellent demonstration of this principle. One of the nastiest kinds of bombs, the hydrogen bomb, relies on this principle for its operation. A hydrogen bomb works primarily on the basis of nuclear fusion, where two isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium and tritium, are compressed into a super-dense mass by exploding atomic triggers.

The force is so great that it causes the nuclei to combine, hence its name nuclear “fusion.” A new nucleus is formed (helium), and the new nucleus requires less energy to hold it together. The left-over energy and the extra neutron are released with enormous explosive force.

Compression allows for the subsequent release of extra energy. This process works out in business if it is handled properly. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize the process and as a result, they tend to blow it by reacting to the pressure of the phase of compression. Instead of seeing the compression as an ally, they see it as an enemy. They struggle against it, they rally against it or more often than not they succumb to compensatory strategies such as addictions, emotional outbursts or taking their ball and going home, ostensibly in an attempt to deal with the pressure.

Unfortunately, when the pressure is blown early, the full release of the extra energy that was available in the process is squandered. Like a car engine with bad timing, you use the same amount of fuel (if not more!) and ultimately produce less power. Not a pretty sight.

So what can you do during the phase of compression? For one, recognize it for what it is. See it in the context of a larger growth process and buck up! Compression, rightly handled, eventually gives way to expansion. Secondly, as you get on the right side of the pressure wave, learn to help others to see how they can become better at not blowing it. If you’re not reacting you will likely have extra altitude and therefore perspective in the situation. Use it to advantage, but take care not to become self-righteous.

Take a moment at the end of the day or at the beginning of the day to consider where you are in this process. You will be somewhere along the spectrum in everything you do. It’s much easier to known where you are going when you know where you are!

Have a great day, my friends.