Let’s expand the definition of “entrepreneur.”
Here’s what the dictionary says: “a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.”
But you don’t have to own a business to embody entrepreneurship. It helps any kind of business, from solo shops to big companies, create new and awesome things. And we all need entrepreneurial qualities to navigate a business world awash in change.
No matter where their work is, Creative Executives thrive when they lead like entrepreneurs and when they collaborate with those who share that mindset.
What is it about entrepreneurs (and “intrapreneurs“) that makes them so valuable?
Optimism. They have faith in themselves and their ideas. They see possibilities and believe that good things can happen.
Resilience. Entrepreneurial people bounce back from rejection. They persist and persevere. (Tweet+Share)
Commitment. A passionate belief in what they’re doing powers entrepreneurs through hard times.
Flexibility. Instead of just doing one thing, they manage many roles. They can be both creative and logistical.
Accountability. Entrepreneurs know that the buck starts and stops with them. Even when they hire out contractors, they know they are the ones responsible for making everything coming to life.
Bravery. They don’t shrink from risk or the possibility of failure because they know it’s part of moving everyone forward (and we don’t mean in a President Frank Underwood type of way).
Engagement. Entrepreneurs know that if they’re not engaged, nothing is going to work.
A Focus on People. We need others to make things happen. Entrepreneurs get this first hand.
Vision. Entrepreneurial people don’t have to be told what to do at every step of the way. (Tweet+Share) Sometimes you may have to keep that quality in check a bit, but you will never have to stretch them to be big thinkers. They have that down, and they know the value of seeing where they are headed.
How entrepreneurial are you? How about your team? If you’re ready to lead this way, and bring out others’ entrepreneurial best, we talk about topics like this in The Creative Executive Method ® course.
