“I like my life structured with clear decisions.”
Entrepreneurs do not function well in traditional organizations and do not like being in the conventional management hierarchy. Most believe they can do the job better than anyone else and will strive
for maximum responsibility and accountability.
“Handling problems causes me stress and pressure.”
To an entrepreneur, stress is part of the job, and they are re-invigorated rather than discouraged by setbacks. They may actually
be less comfortable when things are going well, and are not troubled by ambiguity and uncertainty because they are used to
solving problems.
“My job is fun when everyone knows and does their job.”
The best entrepreneurs relish the challenge of an undefined role, and enjoy the learning process as much as success. It’s even better when they can inspire and energize others to do things that have
never been done before.
Entrepreneurs accept things as they are and deal with them accordingly. They are quick to learn from their failures. They may or may not be idealistic, but they are seldom unrealistic. They want to
know the status of a given situation at all times.
“I like to put my mistakes behind me and never think about them again.”
Entrepreneurs devote the largest share of their time to the business. During tough business periods, they will give their entire focus to business operations, and may essentially stay on the job for days.
Even at home or at social events, the business is always top of mind.
“Balance and family are everything in my life.”
Entrepreneurs have a great sense of urgency to develop their ideas now. Inactivity makes them impatient, tense, and uneasy. They have
drive and high energy levels, they are achievement-oriented, and they are tireless in the pursuit of their goals.
“It didn’t get done today, but there’s always tomorrow.”
Successful entrepreneurs love to tackle complex situations that span the spectrum from planning, making strategic decisions, and working on multiple operational crises simultaneously. They are futuristic and aware of important implications, and they will continuously review
alternatives to achieve their business objectives.
“That’s not my job.”
Entrepreneurs find satisfaction in the trappings of success from external sources, like the media and peer organizations. They like the
business they have built to be praised, but they are often embarrassed by praise directed at them personally.
“I love to get awards for my efforts.”
Entrepreneurs have a "never, never, never quit" attitude. They are self-confident when they know what they're doing and in control. Most are at their best in the face of adversity, since they thrive on their
own self-confidence.
“I get frustrated when things don’t work.”
Some of the best entrepreneurs talk about the highs they get from taking a big risk, and the euphoria they feel when they beat the
odds. They live for these feelings.
“Risk and uncertainty cause me to lose too much sleep.”
That’s how important it is for the right people to be in the right category.
If you are an employee, and you recognize your boss in the quotes, you probably are not a happy employee.
If you recognize your CEO or business founder in the quotes, then your business is probably failing.
In my experience, the most unhappy people are the ones
who clearly fit in one category, but for various reasons believe
they need to be in the other one (entitlement, more money, more
prestige, family pressures).
My message is do what you enjoy.