1 minute read
Become an (intra)preneur
You do not have to come from a long lineage of entrepreneurs to be one, and you certainly do not have to start your own business to be able to use entrepreneurial skills.
Introducing: intrapreneurs.
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An intrapreneur acts like an entrepreneur within the ecosystem of an organisation. In most larger companies there are tons of creative ideas floating around amongst the employees. And by using a bit of entrepreneurial skills, vision and resilience, these ideas can be turned into actual innovations, making work more meaningful for everyone.
Being an intrapreneur also means not simply doing the job you are given, but growing and evolving your role within a company – this is often called “job crafting”. Job crafting enables you to find and create meaning and, to paraphrase Marie Kondo, "Spark joy" in your job.
Turn the job you have into the job you want
Find a mentor (and be one)
Intentionally seek out mentors and mentees. Being a mentor can help you build your leadership skills and gain perspective, while having a mentor can be a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas.
Start small
Job crafting and intrapreneurship is not always about making big changes – small changes count. Do you feel like you are not moving enough in your job? Invest in a height-adjustable desk or find a colleague that will take walks with you during lunch breaks.
Think about your role
Make a point to take a step back frequently to consider your perceptions about the daily tasks in your job. Is there a part of your job that you absolutely hate? How can you reconfigure it to be more interesting and enjoyable?
Speak up
Sure, not everyone will listen every time, and not every idea you have will be a good one. But it is important to be clear about what you want. Have an elevator pitch ready, and be open to feedback.
Learn something new every day
By learning new skills in your job, it helps you become more engaged in your role. It could mean researching how another company does things, getting to know your colleagues better or learning a new skill.
