If you’re thinking about how to grow your company to the next level–and if you’re a CEO, the chances are pretty good you are–you’re likely preoccupied with a number of different growth targets. You’re thinking about how to scale your business. You’re thinking about better marketing your business, and you’re thinking about new business development.

But as someone who has been through the type of growth that transitions a company from small to mid-sized (and growing), I recommend you also make a point of focusing on one key element that it’s vital you protect: The talent contained within your existing employees.…