Serengeti Skill #2
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The enterprising crocodile
If like the crocodile you are an enterprising and resourceful person you see the opportunities by keeping your mind open and active. You understand that by being creative, confident and bold enough to seize the opportunities that present themselves, and you have the ability to influence the outcome of future events.
Enterprising means showing initiative, a willingness to undertake new projects, and a strong desire for success and achievement—all qualities that support the role of the entrepreneur. Like the crocodile, enterprising people possess the energy, creativity, and ambition required to see the possibilities in the future that others cannot see. Enterprising individuals are passionate about their work, learn from mistakes, understand their weaknesses as well as their strengths, recognize opportunity, and make strategic decisions with limited data.
If you are an enterprising person, you’ll see the following characteristics in yourself:
- The ability to “think outside the box” when facing difficult problems and developing solutions.
- A dedication to advancing both yourself and your organization through a clear mission, while fostering a culture that supports and encourages imaginative and creative solutions.
- The determination to succeed, which also lends itself to another important trait for enterprising individuals: self-confidence.
- The tendency to spend a lot of time working alone—something that’s paramount to business success. This emphasizes entrepreneurs’ understanding of sacrifice, and how short-term hard work will pay off with long-term rewards.
Entrepreneurs have a strong desire to lead rather than follow; they seek out opportunities that specifically provide a great deal of autonomy. They seek out change, rather than fearing it.
Maximizing This Skill
Entrepreneurs and enterprising individuals always display a willingness to go against the crowd and stand above. They take advantage of difficult situations, and don’t allow them to become burdens. As with any skill, there are a number of pitfalls to avoid:
- Failing to evaluate and analyze the potential risks involved and developing a plan to address them early on.
- Failing to constantly communicate with others involved, ensuring they understand what is required of them, they have the necessary resources/skills, and are empowered and authorized to complete the tasks for which they are being held accountable.
Enterprising people understand exactly what to do when opportunity knocks.
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