\n<\/p>\n
If you buy a coal mine, the business model is simple: dig out as much coal as you can economically justify, then walk away.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, the model for a brand or a community or a movement is to relentlessly generate value, connection and possibility. Growth can be sustainable and occasionally exponential.<\/p>\n
Too often, we slip into the lazy mindset of extraction. Take a great brand and milk it as it fades from neglect. Stop reinvesting in assets because it\u2019s cheaper in the short run to simply take profits. Coast on a hard-won reputation because it feels safer.<\/p>\n
When we wring our hands about private equity ruining organizations, it\u2019s mostly because they often follow the lazy and fearful path of extraction instead of committing to generating something new.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, extraction is our best option. But it probably pays to call it that to eliminate frustration and confusion.<\/p>\n