When we think of successful entrepreneurs, we think Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey. They are the epitome of success, building unmatched corporate empires. Ultimately, the driving force behind every success story is the story creator; as Bo Bennet puts it, “Success is not what you have, but who you are.”
In this post, we take a look at what makes entrepreneurs “who they are” and the qualities that drive them to achieve their business goals.
7 Key Qualities of Leadership
Here are 7 common leadership qualities of entrepreneurs that underlie their outstanding accomplishments.
1. Self-Motivated: Fueling productivity
Successful individuals breathe and sweat the fuel of progress – an indistinguishable flame of self-motivation. They are capable of thinking, planning and driving productivity without the extra hassle or direction. Though they value input from others, prosperous business leaders are agenda makers and trendsetters, not followers.
2. Adaptability: Increasing focus
Successful entrepreneurs can instantaneously adapt to unforeseen problems; industrial changes; bleak financial outlooks; rising competition; market fluctuations. Their internal adaptability allows them to stay level-headed with an undivided focus on business goals, in spite of external fluctuations.
3. Persistence: Driving progression
Starting a business means being prepared to walk a non-linear line; experienced entrepreneurs learn from their mistakes. Even in the face of repetitive failures, successful entrepreneurs are persistent in moving their business forward. Maintaining a positive business outlook and seeing the values of making mistakes are important business strategies to keep everyone on the same page and focused on making progress.
4. Independent: Building confidence
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company.
Extraordinary entrepreneurs stand by their forward-thinking ideas and learn to flow independently against the crowd. Picasso, Einstein and even Steve Jobs have been misunderstood as eccentric when it’s actually a matter of independence. Successful business people are simply too focused, self-dependent, and goal-driven to blend – they are always ready to take on the business world in solitude if necessary.
5. Unafraid: Opening opportunities
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.– Excerpt from “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Starting a business can be daunting; while roadmaps and safety nets are virtually non-existent, uncertainty factors and risks are abound. But fear doesn’t bind those geared toward their goals. One of the most praiseworthy qualities of entrepreneurs is their boldness; courage empowers them to proceed with important investments, open doors of opportunities, draw decisive plans and keep moving forward.
6. Life-Long Learners: Accumulating knowledge
A remarkable entrepreneur is influential enough to be a leader and humble enough to be a student. Businesses flourish with new depths of knowledge and successful business leaders value learning opportunities to improve themselves and their business.
“I see life almost like one long University education that I never had — everyday I’m learning something new.” – Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group
7. Smart Risk-Takers: Surpassing goals
There are two types of risks: favorable and unfavorable. Leaving an unfulfilling job to pursue your dreams can be rewarding, but poorly planned investments are not. Business-minded individuals should possess a natural instinct when dealing with risky proposals; being a smart risk-taker will allow you to smoothly tread the fine business line, headed for success.
Finding Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” –Farrah Gray
Everyday, business-starters are aspiring to make a difference everywhere. Do you see some of all of these qualities of leadership in yourself? Are you destined to become an entrepreneur and control your own future? Put these 7 qualities of entrepreneurs to practice so that one day you too can inspire others as a successful entrepreneur.
Our free e-book below provides direction for aspiring entrepreneurs considering franchise ownership. It gives you a roadmap on your journey to business success.
