Innovation: The Power of an Entrepreneurial Mindset at Work by Kimberly A. Ferguson

Kimberly A. Ferguson is the owner and Principal L&D Consultant at K-Ferg Training. An official member of the Forbes Coaches Council, she was a previous BOSS Network Influencer and a recipient of the BOSS Leader in Motion Award. Kimberly has contracted with countless organizations to provide training and coaching programs to their employees. Through these programs, Kimberly continues to help others align passion, purpose, competencies, and relevant action to yield meaningful results.

When we hear the word “entrepreneur”, we think of the person who starts, organizes, and operates a business. We think of an innovator, an opportunity seeker, a go-getter, and a self-starter. We think of someone who takes initiative and makes things happen. The list can go on. But what if I told you that the power of an entrepreneurial mindset is needed in every workplace; and that organizations worldwide are seeking individuals who possess this entrepreneurial mindset?

Enter the Intrapreneur! An Intrapreneur is an employee for an established organization. This highly motivated employee possesses and demonstrates an entrepreneurial mindset; and is an innovative visionary, who develops new projects and creates new business opportunities for their employer that will contribute to a company’s success.

In an article on the MIT website, Meredith Somers tells employers that “Intrapreneurship is as necessary for your company’s future, as swimming is for a shark – if you don’t do it, you’ll die”. Various resources show us through both anecdotal and scientific evidence that an Entrepreneurial Mindset is an essential skill in the 21 st century.

What is an Entrepreneurial Mindset? An entrepreneurial mindset is a set of power skills that people use to target the right business opportunities, overcome challenges, identify learning opportunities, and achieve success in different settings and situations.

Many power skills make up an entrepreneurial mindset. In a recent whitepaper published by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), they identified skills like

• taking initiative,

• adapting to changing situations and flexibility,

• thinking critically,

• communicating effectively, and

• Solving problems creatively.

What are some qualities of an Entrepreneurial Mindset? There are many qualities of an entrepreneurial mindset. As you read the list below, take a moment to self-assess. Are you demonstrating the qualities that foster an entrepreneurial mindset? If not, what steps can you take to improve?

• Instead of jumping from task-to-task, They Focus on Each Individual Task:

• They Take Calculated Risks:

• They Thoughtfully Prioritize:

• They Apply Lessons Learned:

• They Demonstrate Accountability

• They Appreciate and leverage their own Strengths:

• They Show Confidence and Humility:

What are the benefits to developing an entrepreneurial mindset at work? There is so much value in demonstrating an Entrepreneurial Mindset in the Workplace. Below, are 5 of the many benefits:

• New ideas and innovation lead to new business opportunities:

• Innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset is valued By Employers

• This mindset shift has been proven to increase productivity and boost performance.

• Challenges become opportunities for growth and development.

• Entrepreneurial thinkers try not to allow themselves to get stuck when change occurs. Instead, they adapt Strategies.

As you see, this could really benefit your career, but you may be wondering how to implement an entrepreneurial approach in your work. Below are 5 simple strategies to get you started:

• Be Intentional – Develop an Action Plan:

• Be Passionate:

• Practice Mindfulness

• Network within the organization

• Take Advantage of Learning Opportunities

Continue to increase your value in the workplace by nurturing and developing your own entrepreneurial mindset. Apply the guiding principles of entrepreneurship in your professional journey, while creating your own roadmap to success.

Photo Credit: Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Learn more about Kimberly at Website: www.kfergspeaks.com

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