AT THE HEART OF THE ENTREPRENEUR

The dynamics of the business landscape, along with the complexity and uncertainty has placed increasing pressure on organizations to perform – and while systems and processes are a fundamental cornerstone to this operation, it is people that truly provide the competitive edge. Leadership is defined by Wikipedia as the "process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task." However, if we look at today’s business landscape this is becoming increasingly difficult, yet ever more critical, especially for entrepreneurs.

Today’s entrepreneurs need to be independent thinkers – ones who not only encourage staff to become ambassadors for the business, but more importantly, are able to facilitate people in modifying and revolutionising their thinking and ultimately cultivating a culture in which the current and future generations of leaders and innovators can optimise their own potential. Guiding such a culture is a primary concern and is not only accomplished through correct coaching, mentoring and communication, but also by being an entrepreneur that listens and a leader that puts ego aside to get the best possible results for both the staff and business.

Belief in people and the ability to make them see opportunities and why they do things is a concrete starting point for any entrepreneur, along with transparency. If one does not have a culture of respect and integrity, you end up with a culture of blame and for a small business, this could be detrimental. As an entrepreneur you cannot be all things to all people so when it comes to skills and development, provide insight and guidance on how to use individual skills and diversity inside the business on a more operational and strategic growth level. 

Diversity plays a big role in small business growth and development and adjustment to multiplicity is crucial to not only see and develop the potential in people, but also in the business. Focus on the now as everyday is another day to learn and develop – another day to grow – but keep your eye on the future, your vision. True leaders have foresight and the ability to conceptualise this vision for the future.

Ultimately, every one of us is an entrepreneur; it is those of us that rise above the rest with our attitudes, flexibility, fore-thought and innovation that truly become successful. Very often, most successful entrepreneurial careers began - and were developed - because of the presence of a leader, and innovator and a visionary. Industry events and initiatives that cultivate such entrepreneurs and leaders, encouraging them to share experiences, visions and advice play a crucial role in the innovation that lead to technological change, productivity growth and economic viability.

Entrepreneurship is more than the mere creation of business – it’s about vision, innovation and the realisation of a dream through leadership – the very essence of what a business landscape should be made of.

This article was written by Nomalanga Nkosi GM Business Segments MTN SA