Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Most Important Entrepreneurial Trait

What do you think is the most important characteristic an entrepreneur should have?

My column in this week's Financial Post looks at the biggest challenge facing growth-oriented entrepreneurs. To my mind, it’s learning: constantly seeking new and better way to handle the challenges that no one (and no school) ever prepared you for.

Excerpt:
There's only one way the entrepreneur who built a business can lead that company in so many new directions: you have to be a lifelong learner. You have to "park" your past successes and become a humble, willing student.

Sounds easy. But I meet many entrepreneurs who act as if success has immunized them from the inconvenience of learning new things. Worse, their need to be perceived as the all-knowing leader prevents them from asking for help, seeking out contrary ideas, or exploring new opportunities like a rookie. Taking a course or learning new skills is for subordinates, not for the king (or queen) of the corner office.

Read the full story here.

Leave a comment: What do you think is the most important entrepreneurial trait?

1 comment:

Gloria Hildebrandt said...

Hard work and openness. OK so that's two traits. But the combo of putting your head down & driving forward with your vision yet being open to new directions is a good one. Contradictory perhaps, which is what makes it a challenge. At least it is for me.