How often has this happen to us? As we gained more knowledge and rises in our seniority in our organization, we can easily catch ourselves in the scenario above. When we ask for opinions, are we really opening up our mind and be receptive to new ideas or suggestions? Or we merely do so to show courtesy?It is critical to be open-minded regardless of the level or years of experience one might have. There are always new things that we can learn from others. The ability to be open to new ideas and to build upon others ideas and collectively, mould them into the next "Big idea" that will deliver the impact that the organization needs, is critical.
The first step towards being open-minded, is to practice active listening to others and hold back your judgement. I often have to bite my tongue to prevent myself from slipping out the comment of "we had tried that before, it didn't work". The situation might have changed. The idea that your colleague is sharing may differ from what you had done before if you allow him to go into details. So, hold your horses and LISTEN.
Another good practice is to have "reverse mentoring." The young generations are digital citizens while the older Generations are migrants. There are new things that the younger colleagues can "mentor" the more senior ones. By remaining open, one will be able to continue on the learning journey and not grow into "Dead wood" in the organization.
3. Owner's mind-set: Be empowered and make a difference
How do you view your job? Are you building your career? Are you just clocking time so that you can justify your existence in the organization? We need to have the "Owner's mind-set". Owning what you are driving is key to your success.
Intrapreneurs are the change agent who owns the business that he or she is driving just like entrepreneurs drive their business. With the owners' mind-set, you will no longer wait for things to happen. You know that you must be the champion to make things happen! You will inspire your co-workers and staff to join in the force to create the next "Blue Ocean" and bring the business to the next level.
With the owner's mind-set, you will be monitoring the execution, ensuring that the money spent is worth the investment, the resources poured into the venture are seeing returns. With the owner's mind-set, you will be making bold moves, taking risk to create the breakthrough for the business. You are empowered, just like the business owners. You will be able to command respect from others as they can see that whatever you are doing is focused on bringing the business to the next level. Nobody likes to waste their life pushing buttons and sitting around to watch the world goes by just to earn a living. They get inspired by leaders who have owners' mind-set and are constantly seeking new ways to steer the business in the ever changing world. They wanted to be part of your business.
4. Love what you do: Having fire in your belly
I have never come across an intrapreneur who does not love what he or she is doing, have you? This is a given. No one can be successful if there is no passion. Even if it is possible, you would not want to waste your life doing something that means nothing to you. Loving what one is doing entails two key portions: Impact and Joy. I love the idea that Marc Lesser shared in his book " Know Yourself, Forget Yourself: Five Truths to Transform Your Work, Relationships, and Everyday Life ". He uses three circles: Impact, Joy, and Financial Sustainability as a framework to help people make decisions in life. These three circles need not be the same size as at different phase of your life, your needs vary. Putting financial sustainability aside for now, Impact and Joy often are two key yardsticks that you can use to gauge your passion for your work.
What impact do you wish to have? Again, every one of us will have different opinion in terms of impact that you would like to deliver. As we deliver great products to the market that impacts the life of our consumers, we felt satisfied and the impact created in turn become a motivational force that propels us to continue doing what we are doing.
Joy is important. You felt joy in your work if you love what you are doing and doing with a team of people that you love working alongside with. When these are aligned, the passion can be sustained.
I have also seen people getting burnt out while doing what they love to do when they no longer felt joyous. When the leader or co-workers start to lose their faith in the mission to be accomplished or the environment has turned negative and starts to suck their positive energy dry. Under such situation, you have to be aware and consider moving on.
So, remember to be "C.O.O.L" and continues on the journey of a successful intrapreneuer!
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