Entrepreneurial Characteristics

Creativity and Problem solving

Addressing challenges and solving problems requires you to approach issues differently with a view to seeking alternative solutions. Creative thinking is a key element to problem solving. Consider your approach to a recent problem or challenge experienced - this can be at home, work, in a social setting, etc.

I use creative thinking techniques (such as brainstorming or mind-mapping) to help solve problems.
I typically focus on finding at least one possible solution for any given problem/challenge before moving on to the next issue.
I am open and receptive to exploring new approaches when dealing with problems as part of a decision making process.
I go about addressing problems or challenges thoughtfully and systematically.
I consider possible changes in circumstances, contexts and situations when thinking about solutions for problems.

Dealing with uncertainty

Uncertainty is part and parcel of working in project settings. Consider your response to dealing with uncertainty in your daily life, be it at work, home, studies, or socially.

I feel comfortable when dealing with unknown situations or events.
When faced with uncertain circumstances or events, I am able to adapt to the change of circumstance.
When I encounter uncertainty, I usually consider alternate or contingencies of dealing with the changed environment.
When dealing with uncertainty in a given assignment, I tend to break down an assignment into smaller tasks that are easier to manage.
When a new and unknown circumstance arises, I often consider the changed circumstances as a possible opportunity.

Leadership

Consider the last time you were required to take the lead. It might have been at work or even in a social or sporting context.

I am comfortable making decisions in challenging circumstances.
I take accountability for my decisions and actions.
I collaborate with others in decision-making processes.
I typically share my vision and objectives with other group/team members.
I am able to anticipate possible outcomes and respond accordingly.

Resourcefulness

Being resourceful and making decisions about resources in the early stages of the new venture start-up is important for any entrepreneur. Consider your responses to the statements below.

I typically consider alternatives for all suggestions.
I find it easy to network with others and form agreeable partnerships or outcomes.
I am usually able to deal with many tasks and challenges at one time.
I am comfortable to ask for what I need in a work or social situation.
I typically adapt to new situations quite easily.

Forward-thinking

Being a forward thinker in making decisions and changes forms part of being an entrepreneur and part of the entrepreneurial process. Consider a time when you have exercised forward-thinking and independence in a situation at work or at home.

I often challenge the status quo in work and personal situations.
In challenging situations, I often see an opportunity for positive change and something new.
I typically look to extend myself in my job and through new tasks and challenges.
I am typically unafraid to fail at new things.
I typically have a non-conventional approach to work and life.

Based on your response, you may want to work on the following areas.

Creative thinking and problem-solving

Creative thinking and problem-solving are key skills for any entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs often face situations and activities delivered in the future, which means that they are subject to unknown events not anticipated. Creative thinking is required to best deal with these unexpected challenges and problems that need to be solved. Creative thinking requires proper immersion through the use of various techniques to really think in-depth about problem solving perspectives before responding to it. Take time to facilitate brainstorming sessions to build creativity and look at challenges in new ways with a view to finding a range of alternative solutions that may be more effective than a single (off the shelf) solution approach you might usually take.

Dealing with uncertainty

Dealing with uncertainty forms part of every entrepreneurial journey. Challenges and issues will pop up unexpectedly and you will need to be equipped to deal with such changes. Dealing with uncertainty is in-part about having confidence that you (and your team) will be able to manage an issue when it arises. It is about being comfortable that although you may not be able to foresee (or plan) for every issue that may arise, you will be able to reduce the impact through a combination of good planning, an experienced team, and contingency planning.

Leadership

Being an effective leader enables your team and the individuals within your team to achieve set objectives and attain the required project outcome/s. Some of the skills that can be developed to become an effective leader include: good problem-solving skills, working well with others, displaying confidence, and having a clear vision of where you want to take your team and what you want them to achieve. Leaders are able to provide direction to those who need it and challenge those individuals who need to be stretched.

Resourcefulness

An entrepreneur who is resourceful is someone who has the ability to adapt to changes and new experiences and really make the most of them. This includes seeing opportunity through new networks and partnerships or the ability to juggle varied tasks and responsibilities at one time, with relative ease and patience. As an entrepreneur, learning to be resourceful enables you to manage the sometimes challenging process of a new venture start-up. This will include asking other for help, establishing partnerships with others to help get your product to market and working with various team members and stakeholders.

Forward thinking

Being a forward thinker enables you to challenge the conventions that surround you and you are more likely to see opportunities for innovation or change. A forward-thinker is unafraid to try new things to succeed or to extend themselves and is equally unafraid of failure that may follow. The ability to see opportunity in unlikely situations and approach work and life in less conventional ways, are skills that successful entrepreneurs have or can create on their journeys.