Growing a Group Practice Without Losing Your Soul (Or Your Mission)

Growth can be thrilling — but also reallyyyy disorienting.

What started as a values-driven solo practice begins to stretch. You hire one person, then three. Suddenly there are logistics, leadership questions, and the sneaking fear: Am I becoming the kind of boss I never wanted to have?

The truth is, scaling doesn’t have to mean selling out. But without intentional structure, even the most mission-aligned practice can start to drift.

Image via unsplash.

So how do you grow without losing what made your work special in the first place?

Here are a few practices that help:

1. Codify your values in operations.

Don’t just say you care about accessibility or equity. Build systems that actually reflect those values — like transparent pay structures, thoughtful onboarding, and support for clinician well-being.

2. Get clear on your role.

You can’t be everything to everyone (sorry!). As you grow, define what only you can do — and delegate the rest. Being a great leader means not doing everything yourself all of the time.

3. Build in regular reflection.

What’s feeling good? What’s creeping toward burnout? Create space to recalibrate — not just when things are on fire. I created a handy Business Vitality Assessment tool for just this.

4. Get support.

You don’t have to choose between scrappy DIY and cold corporate. No, really! Fractional support can help you grow intentionally — with a team that mirrors your values and mission.

Growth doesn’t have to cost you your integrity. With the right scaffolding, it can deepen it.

Let’s talk about how to grow your practice in a way that still feels like you.

Hey! I’m Charlie — Your Practice Partner.
I help human-centered group practices thrive. More about me.