Entrepreneurship is a valuable asset that is important for any business, especially in the modern world of high-technology businesses. To have the spirit of entrepreneurship naturally means that there is the willingness to take risk, the power to innovate, and the ability to strive beyond the perceived normality.
It is usually said that young people have more entrepreneurship spirit than older generation. Perhaps it may be true, or it may be not. That would be a debatable topic. In this article, however, I would like to focus on the importance of sustaining entrepreneurship.
In the fast paced world we live in today, we see a lot of examples of successful entrepreneurs that come and go; very few of them continue to shine as bright when compared to their initial start-up success. Why is that so? Why does the fire appear to die down as time passes?
Firstly, I would like to point out that the important matter that sustaining entrepreneurship does not mean the company is not successful; but it is to continuously look into how it can be as creative and innovative as when it first started out. In essence, it is to ‘keep the fire burning as bright as ever’.
When a company first starts-up, its overheads cost is kept to a minimum and productivity is at its peak. Mostly because the owners are single-handily managing multiple aspects of the business to ensure the success of the business. As the business grows, the various aspects of the business are commonly handed to other staff thus the owners can continue to grow the core business of the company. In most cases, once the above is done, the productivity and effectiveness of a company will start to decrease comparing to cost incurred.
Sustaining Entrepreneurship is an ideal which is a relentless climb towards ‘Mount Everest’. To achieve the same level of productivity and effectiveness matching overheads cost to when the company was first started by it business owners.
Inevitably, once a company grows, a variety of functions will spawn to allow different people to handle the various aspects required in order for a smooth operation of business. This is a resultant of the common knowledge that ‘one man can only handle that much’. Though this statement can vary from person to person, but it is fact that there is a limit to one’s abilities. The idea that a business has multiple managers handling important functions of the business is a good and encouraging start. However, if that group starts drawing out rigid processes and methodologies that make the business run efficiently but without having innovation or creativity within the realm during real-world implementation, the effectiveness of the group would be affected. The fact is that this issue may not be easily visible to even managers themselves; as managers will always draw plans with their ‘staff and company’ in mind. Then, I beg the question, why are there businesses not able to stir up productivity and effectiveness? Is the group successful in sustaining entrepreneurship?
Removing Pre-conceived Notions
In this first part of this article, I will focus on the prep work required to get started. To begin with, it is to encourage managers and business leaders to dare themselves to think out of the box of the problems plaguing their organization. To take a bold move and dream about desired outcomes for yourself, your team and your business. More importantly, have other managers or leaders do the same exercise for their respective teams or roles.
It is without question that most managers would fall into the rabbit hole of thinking how ‘realistic’ their goals would be to current state of the company. The above exercise is to look beyond those facts and set goals or targets that idealistically presume all managers striving toward the company’s vision together.
Having the group of managers adopting that idealistic mindset above is an important first step. It would not be as easy as looks. In most cases, even before the vision can be set out, ‘restrictions’ in mindset would already start being a hindrance. Thus, care must be taken not to lose sight of the objective for this exercise – ‘dare to dream’.
Pre-conceived notions are always present in individuals; and each individual has a different view on any given idea. We shall not go into how this was to be in an individual; but focus primarily on knowing they exist, accepting that it is there and making a conscious effort to REMOVE these notions when making them.
When the mind sets out to think big, a lot of ‘weird’ ideas may pop up. They may sound absurd at first; but list them down anyway. Think of the very big goals that you are imagining you are reaching, different objectives that would get you there, and what you need to do to get there. From one or two major goals, various strategies or objectives should sprout and leading on to implementations. At this juncture, make the conscious effort to ignore the considerations or limitations that you currently face in your organization and imagine all in your group are working on the ideal situation where everyone is able to fulfill ‘your’ dream.
This exercise may sound easy at first; but truth be told, it is not if one gives thorough thought on the subject. To see through an idea or goal to its implementation methods in a planning realm requires a lot of thought; which will result in a lot of questions to oneself. Hence, the pre-conceived notions that are inherent will surface when faced with these questions through brainstorming. Therefore, being conscious of your thoughts and the ability to question and review your own mindset becomes very critical.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Post from my past: 27th Dec 2010
Family Business
Its almost coming to end of 2010. It has been a roller coaster year for my career. Peak of it was the process of my departure from my previous employer.
It has been a wonderful 4 and 1/2 years for this company. Though it may have been my first job after graduation, it has taught me a lot of valuable lessons and showed me an important part of the corporate world. Through the ups and downs faced during that time, it taught me to learn from experience, share my knowledge, set goals and importantly push myself and others to achieve goals.
My next career will be an interesting and challenging one. My dad has asked me to help out with his business. Having rejected him for 4 long years I felt that it was time to see how I can contribute.
My family's business deals with with construction; and yet I graduated from the field of Electrical and Electronics. Not quite a match up in expertise I should say. My ultimate goal would be to still make something of myself in the electronics sector. But for now, I would use whatever knowledge I know to help my family's business.
Through the 4 plus years that I have worked in the MNC, I learned something that is very valuable. 'Know what you plan to do. Plan what you want to do. Look in detail of your plan. Always have a back up plan.' These few lines has stuck with me in my job, especially in the final 2 years. They propelled me to think harder, plan further, study deeper and push my limits higher. It has helped me deliver respectable work for my employer and at the same time benefits my colleagues around me. It is a philosophy that works well. However, it seems that when it comes to family businesses, things aren't so clear anymore.
To be frank, I have no clue what lies ahead of me in this business of construction. I do not know the work required or the process of getting work done. But it seems like in the depths of such unknowns lies the beauty of doing business itself. The spirit of taking risks. But I am sort of person that prefers to take calculated risks, know the steps to take, plan the future ahead and head towards it.
And somehow, family businesses aren't so clear and I can say that they do not know what they want to do (besides making money).
However, I am going to see what the world ahead awaits me. Putting my philosophy into action in my new career and see what it takes me.
Its almost coming to end of 2010. It has been a roller coaster year for my career. Peak of it was the process of my departure from my previous employer.
It has been a wonderful 4 and 1/2 years for this company. Though it may have been my first job after graduation, it has taught me a lot of valuable lessons and showed me an important part of the corporate world. Through the ups and downs faced during that time, it taught me to learn from experience, share my knowledge, set goals and importantly push myself and others to achieve goals.
My next career will be an interesting and challenging one. My dad has asked me to help out with his business. Having rejected him for 4 long years I felt that it was time to see how I can contribute.
My family's business deals with with construction; and yet I graduated from the field of Electrical and Electronics. Not quite a match up in expertise I should say. My ultimate goal would be to still make something of myself in the electronics sector. But for now, I would use whatever knowledge I know to help my family's business.
Through the 4 plus years that I have worked in the MNC, I learned something that is very valuable. 'Know what you plan to do. Plan what you want to do. Look in detail of your plan. Always have a back up plan.' These few lines has stuck with me in my job, especially in the final 2 years. They propelled me to think harder, plan further, study deeper and push my limits higher. It has helped me deliver respectable work for my employer and at the same time benefits my colleagues around me. It is a philosophy that works well. However, it seems that when it comes to family businesses, things aren't so clear anymore.
To be frank, I have no clue what lies ahead of me in this business of construction. I do not know the work required or the process of getting work done. But it seems like in the depths of such unknowns lies the beauty of doing business itself. The spirit of taking risks. But I am sort of person that prefers to take calculated risks, know the steps to take, plan the future ahead and head towards it.
And somehow, family businesses aren't so clear and I can say that they do not know what they want to do (besides making money).
However, I am going to see what the world ahead awaits me. Putting my philosophy into action in my new career and see what it takes me.
Post from my past: 20th Jun 2010
Change is good. The way it changes is more important.
Time waits for no one.
Its almost approaching a year into my 2 role stint with my current company. It has been an enriching yet eye-opening year for me.
Handling 2 department is certainly challenging both mentally and physically. It has made me learned that things may not always go the way you want it; and sometimes even well-laid plans can play out with a turn to the cynical.
Management is just one word. However, when you put the management word into a company, the whole ballgame changes. So many factors contribute to the way management applies to running of a company, e.g. business climate, talent, structure, etc. Lets face it, it is not easy.
But knowing that managing a company is not easy, it should propel leaders to grab the bull by its horns and tame the wild beast. The key here is that if one leader is not able to tame the beast by himself, he could and should influence the environment around him to conquer the beast through team effort. On paper, at least, this sounds like an easy task to do, i.e. select the right talent, delegate to bright managers, implement the right structure and model, etc. In the real world, its easier said that its done.
But even with the right people, the right attitude, the best of business climates, things can still go wrong. Can we handle all possible scenarios? I do not believe so. But can we manage a company in a way to be versatile in handling unforeseen scenarios? I firmly believe that it can be done.
How to achieve so? I guess no leader or manager can give you a straight answer on the 'sure-win' low level implementations. It depends on so many factors. But having the foresight to see that a company requires to have the versatility to handle unforeseen circumstances (even within the company itself) would make the leader make better decisions.
My goal is to be able to be able to achieve such foresight with a good management attitude to lead my future to a brighter tomorrow.
Time waits for no one.
Its almost approaching a year into my 2 role stint with my current company. It has been an enriching yet eye-opening year for me.
Handling 2 department is certainly challenging both mentally and physically. It has made me learned that things may not always go the way you want it; and sometimes even well-laid plans can play out with a turn to the cynical.
Management is just one word. However, when you put the management word into a company, the whole ballgame changes. So many factors contribute to the way management applies to running of a company, e.g. business climate, talent, structure, etc. Lets face it, it is not easy.
But knowing that managing a company is not easy, it should propel leaders to grab the bull by its horns and tame the wild beast. The key here is that if one leader is not able to tame the beast by himself, he could and should influence the environment around him to conquer the beast through team effort. On paper, at least, this sounds like an easy task to do, i.e. select the right talent, delegate to bright managers, implement the right structure and model, etc. In the real world, its easier said that its done.
But even with the right people, the right attitude, the best of business climates, things can still go wrong. Can we handle all possible scenarios? I do not believe so. But can we manage a company in a way to be versatile in handling unforeseen scenarios? I firmly believe that it can be done.
How to achieve so? I guess no leader or manager can give you a straight answer on the 'sure-win' low level implementations. It depends on so many factors. But having the foresight to see that a company requires to have the versatility to handle unforeseen circumstances (even within the company itself) would make the leader make better decisions.
My goal is to be able to be able to achieve such foresight with a good management attitude to lead my future to a brighter tomorrow.
Post from my past: 1st Oct 2009
Big changes only after exactly a year...
It was not so long ago (a year back) when I started the Marketing Engineering role in my current company.
My drive then was to do what I deemed was necessary to put things back in order and create a seamless process that will help the Marketing team achieve great results.
Through the year, I feel that we as a team have achieve much greater heights than was ever thought possible amid these dire times. Much priority was given to the Sales teams to bring in revenue and even I agree with that move; but even so, the Marketing team soldiered on and created a series of excellent events that strengthen our customers confidence and wow-ed new customers increasing our brand awareness (even our own Sales teams were impressed).
This is credited to all the hard work that the entire Marketing team has put in through out the year.
And on this one year anniversary of my role as Marketing Engineer, I was asked to take up additional responsibilities as Applications Engineering Manager on top of my current role. I gave this task a serious thought for sometime as I know it would not be easy.
I spoke to my parents about my situation and they felt that it was up to me. At first, I thought they didn't really care much but I realised it was really up to me and how far I would like to take my abilities to and beyond.
And hence, I decided to take on the task. A lot of discussions and talks are going on right now on what I should/shouldn't do but no concrete actions as yet. It is nice to see and hear what others have to say as it shows their own motives and desires. I shall learn more along the way... :)
It was not so long ago (a year back) when I started the Marketing Engineering role in my current company.
My drive then was to do what I deemed was necessary to put things back in order and create a seamless process that will help the Marketing team achieve great results.
Through the year, I feel that we as a team have achieve much greater heights than was ever thought possible amid these dire times. Much priority was given to the Sales teams to bring in revenue and even I agree with that move; but even so, the Marketing team soldiered on and created a series of excellent events that strengthen our customers confidence and wow-ed new customers increasing our brand awareness (even our own Sales teams were impressed).
This is credited to all the hard work that the entire Marketing team has put in through out the year.
And on this one year anniversary of my role as Marketing Engineer, I was asked to take up additional responsibilities as Applications Engineering Manager on top of my current role. I gave this task a serious thought for sometime as I know it would not be easy.
I spoke to my parents about my situation and they felt that it was up to me. At first, I thought they didn't really care much but I realised it was really up to me and how far I would like to take my abilities to and beyond.
And hence, I decided to take on the task. A lot of discussions and talks are going on right now on what I should/shouldn't do but no concrete actions as yet. It is nice to see and hear what others have to say as it shows their own motives and desires. I shall learn more along the way... :)
Post from my past: 18th Jul 2009
Building Relationships through collaborative networking
Everywhere you go or in everything you do, the relationships you build with people you meet is very important. We all know that for a fact.
Powerful and brilliant people tend to be able to use that to their advantage in creating a collaborative network of people to attain a successful life. Most well known politicians and business figures are capable of maintaining such a network.
I feel that this is a skill that most people inherently has but just that it is maintained on a personal level. Maintaining friendship, forging good relationships among friends and relatives are some examples.
In the corporate world, it is also vital that such networking is practiced. The truth be told is that collaborative networking is about forming mutually beneficial relationships with people. The fact that ambitious individuals or groups thriving to attain greater achievements is the underlying motive that pushes a collaborative network. When being applied to good, it is a very healthy situation where all involved strive to succeed.
I believe that no man is an island. To succeed in life and in work, we will need the help of others and helping those who needs our help. Building good relationships with them, forming a collaborative network and working together towards being successful.
I also believe that every man is unique. And thus lie the how, which is unique to each individual.
Everywhere you go or in everything you do, the relationships you build with people you meet is very important. We all know that for a fact.
Powerful and brilliant people tend to be able to use that to their advantage in creating a collaborative network of people to attain a successful life. Most well known politicians and business figures are capable of maintaining such a network.
I feel that this is a skill that most people inherently has but just that it is maintained on a personal level. Maintaining friendship, forging good relationships among friends and relatives are some examples.
In the corporate world, it is also vital that such networking is practiced. The truth be told is that collaborative networking is about forming mutually beneficial relationships with people. The fact that ambitious individuals or groups thriving to attain greater achievements is the underlying motive that pushes a collaborative network. When being applied to good, it is a very healthy situation where all involved strive to succeed.
I believe that no man is an island. To succeed in life and in work, we will need the help of others and helping those who needs our help. Building good relationships with them, forming a collaborative network and working together towards being successful.
I also believe that every man is unique. And thus lie the how, which is unique to each individual.
Post from my past: 10th Jul 2009
Quote "Grant me the serenity to accept things I can't change. Courage to change the things I can & Wisdom to know the difference."
I refer to the title above.
Got this quote from a colleague of mine and I found it very meaningful and can be related to everything in life. And in my case, I felt it had a close connection relating to my work environment.
Is it better to leave things as they are even when one knows that there is something wrong and one can fix it?
Is it okay to stand by wrong actions that results in foreseen negative consequences?
Should one that has the will to act righteous and responsibly not do what is right for those who can't defend or stand up to wrong?
I believe those who are strong to take right action have the responsibility to act on behalf of those who cannot and lead the way.
In this current unstable climate, I hope I do have the strength to stand up to such a belief, to live and stay strong and withstand challenges that lies ahead of me.
I tell myself 'Believe in thyself and thou shall overcome.'
I refer to the title above.
Got this quote from a colleague of mine and I found it very meaningful and can be related to everything in life. And in my case, I felt it had a close connection relating to my work environment.
Is it better to leave things as they are even when one knows that there is something wrong and one can fix it?
Is it okay to stand by wrong actions that results in foreseen negative consequences?
Should one that has the will to act righteous and responsibly not do what is right for those who can't defend or stand up to wrong?
I believe those who are strong to take right action have the responsibility to act on behalf of those who cannot and lead the way.
In this current unstable climate, I hope I do have the strength to stand up to such a belief, to live and stay strong and withstand challenges that lies ahead of me.
I tell myself 'Believe in thyself and thou shall overcome.'
Post from my past: 10th Jul 2009
Quote "Grant me the serenity to accept things I can't change. Courage to change the things I can & Wisdom to know the difference."
I refer to the title above.
Got this quote from a colleague of mine and I found it very meaningful and can be related to everything in life. And in my case, I felt it had a close connection relating to my work environment.
Is it better to leave things as they are even when one knows that there is something wrong and one can fix it?
Is it okay to stand by wrong actions that results in foreseen negative consequences?
Should one that has the will to act righteous and responsibly not do what is right for those who can't defend or stand up to wrong?
I believe those who are strong to take right action have the responsibility to act on behalf of those who cannot and lead the way.
In this current unstable climate, I hope I do have the strength to stand up to such a belief, to live and stay strong and withstand challenges that lies ahead of me.
I tell myself 'Believe in thyself and thou shall overcome.'
I refer to the title above.
Got this quote from a colleague of mine and I found it very meaningful and can be related to everything in life. And in my case, I felt it had a close connection relating to my work environment.
Is it better to leave things as they are even when one knows that there is something wrong and one can fix it?
Is it okay to stand by wrong actions that results in foreseen negative consequences?
Should one that has the will to act righteous and responsibly not do what is right for those who can't defend or stand up to wrong?
I believe those who are strong to take right action have the responsibility to act on behalf of those who cannot and lead the way.
In this current unstable climate, I hope I do have the strength to stand up to such a belief, to live and stay strong and withstand challenges that lies ahead of me.
I tell myself 'Believe in thyself and thou shall overcome.'
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