Today, I had a young client who, according to the method I work with, has a half drive for entrepreneurship. She had questions about it – I could almost see the disappointment on her face: “What?? I am not an entrepreneur??“
I would like to share two thoughts around this.
First: be yourself!
There is such a hype around entrepreneurship, as if everyone should be an entrepreneur.
It looks like this idea puts pressure on young people – not just my client today, but also students I have been teaching at the university seem to feel pressured.
Rather than trying to be an entrepreneur, this client could be an amazing intrapreneur given her talents. She combines strategic thinking, management and a strong need for taking initiatives and autonomy: great combination.
A lot of companies, including entrepreneurs, need profiles like this.
In other words, embrace your talents. That will bring you more fun and fulfilment than trying to be someone you are not.
Second thought: There are always solutions!
Having a half drive (or lower) for entrepreneurship doesn’t mean you can’t opt for that route. (Though you are likely to have less fun than someone with a high drive for entrepreneurship but let’s put that aside for now).
When we talk about talents using this method, we are talking about what drives you, your inner motivation.
A half drive for entrepreneurship, means you are less inclined to take risks, to drive a project starting from zero.
One of the traits of entrepreneurship is to be willing to explore new areas, new boundaries, to accept insecurity.
As far as I know, you cannot teach a person to not be scared, to feel good in an insecure situation. Some things are ingrained in us.
Yet, the beauty about knowing this about yourself, is that if you have an entrepreneurial idea, you can look for the right setting for yourself.
You can find business angels or investors, to minimize your own risk.
You can start your venture with an entrepreneurial partner, to compensate your own risk avoiding tendency.
You can take a mentor to help you navigate through the rough seas.
I believe the key is to know your strengths, and low drives (if you prefer, call it weaknesses though I don’t like it), and see what you need to realise your goal.
Knowing your talents is just one part, a first step, into realising your potential. Think values, mission or life purpose, passions, interests, skills. Many factors play a role into making the most of yourself and realising your dream.
To come back to my young client: at the end of our session, which included the thoughts put down here, she had one major take-away: clarity. She looked relieved and strengthened.
Love it!
