Entrepreneurs, the most powerful support network is right in front of your eyes: your employees. Most entrepreneurs think of a top-down approach to business growth, where you alone brainstorm and instigate change across your organisation, designating roles and responsibilities to your employees accordingly. Yet to drive your business into exciting new territory, a refreshed approach is needed – one that’s grounded in collaboration, communication and strong relationships. That’s where intrapreneurs come in.
An intrapreneur is an innovator and change maker who takes initiative and drives positive transformation across your organisation. They do this by drawing upon the resources provided by their leader (you!) and supportive internal culture. While an entrepreneur takes a lone leap of faith to launch a business venture, an intrapreneur leverages the existing structures of their organisation to propel the venture forward.
Here are five key ways you can build a supportive culture for intrapreneurs across your organisation through trasnformational leadership:
1. BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
Build a culture of collaboration, communication and transparency, where every team member feels respected, valued and heard. This will provide the sense of security and safety intrapreneurs need to thrive and overcome obstacles – including failure.
2. PROVIDE A SAFE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT
A safe and nurturing business culture is one that encourages employees to speak up about their ideas and achievements, share their opinions and feelings with others, be assertive and take initiative. Ensure that employees feel empowered to offer ideas without facing judgment or criticism.
3. ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO TAKE INITIATIVE
Encourage employees to challenge themselves with confidence and purpose. Reassure budding intrapreneurs that they don’t have to put everything on the line – that they are taking risks in a safe environment, with the support and encouragement of their colleagues.
4. LISTEN, DON’T CRITICISE
Try not to criticise or dismiss the ideas of others, even if you disagree with their creative vision. Instead, be patient, listen, and provide constructive feedback. As an established entrepreneur and leader, you are ideally positioned to mentor and guide intrapreneurs on a journey of discovery, while staying aligned to your business strategy.
5. LET OTHERS SHINE!
Celebrate the successes of others, no matter how small. Even the most minute contribution or input from an employee can pave the way for large-scale and lasting transformation. It’s crucial that your transformational leadership skill nurture the creative flair of others – even if they see things differently to you. By doing this, you will build strong foundations for your business to grow and evolve in new and inspiring ways.
Read the full article in The Business Woman.
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