I’m writing today from the perspective of an established business and executive coach, a long-time recruiter, and a proven (definably successful) entrepreneur.
I’ve always held that being bold, fearless and forthright serves the greater good. Certainly within the sphere of my own influence.
Recently a comment I made on Linkedin was “liked” by a fellow that had been referred to me several months back.
“This is a good quote for the day: “You have to wallow in it,” he said. “Take time to get to know people. Understand where they are coming from, what is important to them. Make sure they are with you.” – Jack Welch“
So, as I prepared to acknowledge and thank him for the effort I saw that he was describing himself as an “entrepreneurial leader”.
I found myself “wallowing” in the moment, fully in the spirit of Mr. Welch’s words, and fully prepared to invest myself completely in helping the young fellow.
To be clear, I immediately took exception to this because he was a younger man in his late twenties that had not accomplished anything entrepreneurial in his career. Most of that had been spent in a variable function role and more recently business development for an IT Staffing organization. Recently he had been given charter to roll-out a new line of business, so I was willing to give him a bone around possibly being an “intrapreneur”.
All of this simply led me to thinking I had an opportunity to share with all of you this cautionary tale around transparency. So, just read the exchange and we’ll take it for what it’s all worth.
Start from the bottom, and read your way up…
__________________________ ↓
END (remember… start from the bottom, and work your way up ↑. I KNOW I could reverse it. But, this is more fun. do it!).
“That is all an enthusiastic read. The energy is great.
However, you do yourself an injustice with the entrepreneurial reference on Linkedin. You don’t have the experience or touch-points to back-it-up. If challenged by other parties you will be judged darkly.
I absolutely disagree with your position that your self-definition is not important. While it’s good that you are coming to terms with what you think you want to do, you won’t realize the objective by trying to deflect facts or convince anyone with discernment, otherwise.
What you have accomplished so far is gather experience around a variety of departments and roles through an established business.
An “intrapreneur” is someone with proven entrepreneurial skills and experience that is qualified to be handed resources to spin-up, spin-out, or create a new or different piece of business on behalf of a larger organization. So, you might get some points there. But, I’ll only buy that if you can outline the highlights on your Linkedin profile and resume. If it can stand up to scrutiny, put it online and drive the next phase of your career development through it.
Transparency might be a better route. State that you are seeking entrepreneurial opportunities and experience that leverage your corporately-honed skills.
I was disappointed that you went radio-silent after our meetings. I felt that was a sign of immaturity, and left me feeling you were a bit deceptive. But, you are a likable fellow. Redemption is always at-hand.
Prepare to be forever immortalized on our business Blog (name REDACTED). Yours is an able example.
Best of luck. And, please feel free to keep me in the loop.
- Cork
On 03/01/13 6:19 AM, [REDACTED] wrote:
——————–
Brian,
I love a challenge! Great question and one few people actually ask. More technically correct I would call myself an “intrapreneurial leader” but few people care for or note the significance of that distinction.
Intra or Entre isn’t really the critical question. What’s important is that I have recognized the intersection of what I’m great at and what I enjoy doing. With a somewhat unique career path, I’ve been able to sample numerous roles of increasing responsibility from back office support, front line delivery, and team management all well before I turn 30. In my most recent role I was given the opportunity to start a new business unit, in a completely new market with financial risk/incentive tied to success. Fortunately for me…we’ve found great success.
With success in the Public Sector and a greatly improved relationship with my CEO, I’ve identified my next step. What I’m great at, and truly enjoy, is identifying new opportunities to support our clients and rallying a team to bring those services to market. Hence the “Intra/Entrepreneurial”. At the same time, I have enjoyed building a culture of client centric, results oriented delivery and comradery within the teams we have delivering in DC (deep distinction placed on Leadership vs. Management in this case). Hence the “Leadership”
With the offer I extended this week to bring in a Sr. Business Development lead and an additional recruiter, I am able to hand off some of my current client facing responsibility. I again have the opportunity and responsibility to identify new opportunities to serve the market and spin up capability to support these. More risk, more reward, more team members to work with…exciting times.
- [REDACTED]
On 03/01/13 3:35 AM, Brian Patrick Cork wrote:
——————–
[REDACTED]:
I feel compelled to challenge you…
How is it you feel that you can refer to yourself as an “entrepreneurial leader”?
brian patrick cork”
Start
_______________________ ↑
Let’s be part of the Solution.
brian patrick cork
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And, it so happens that the above article finds itself karmically on the heels of an exchange I’ve recently had with the keen to contribute Nii Codjoe:
