Executive versus Entrepreneur

I usually don’t spend much time reading the message page of a magazine’s editor but somehow the title “Resumes vs. Legacies” in the Dec.2016/Jan 2017 issue of Inc. magazine made me take a pause.  The editor, Eric Schurenberg explains the difference between the highly successful executives and entrepreneurs.  These executives are the “embodiment of American aristocracy”; who come “from exclusive schools, work in the fanciest office towers, …  and climb from one office job to another”.  In contrast, entrepreneurs are those who “gamble everything to start companies, create jobs, build a wealth from scratch, and come up with products and services that make life better.”  He concludes his article by borrowing from New York Times columnist David Brooks: “The elite build resumes. Entrepreneurs build legacies.”   This insightful piece certainly made my pause worthwhile.

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Bridging the Gap between Knowing and Doing

For many leaders, there is a such a thing as a “knowing-doing” problem – the challenge of turning knowledge into actions consistent with that knowledge.  Challenges in execution may include the unwillingness to delegate responsibility, the sharing of information, and giving up power that comes from knowing certain things that others don’t. Exploring and clarifying your values is a good preparation for defining PURPOSE and LIFE MISSION.  Purpose generates future vision, energy and life direction. Purpose is a deep source of passion or motivation to act, change or to grow. What mobilizes action?  A clear vision of the future, a realistic portrayal of the present, a selective description of the past (lessons), specific choices of actions or options, and a sense of urgency. Obstacles and possible barriers must be built into the specific actions.

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Self-Awareness for Effective Leadership

Being honest with ourselves is what allows the development of who we are and our participation in this world. Self-awareness leads to an understanding of fundamental differences in human behavior. These differences are usually reflected in work habits which, in turn, are mostly the source of interpersonal conflicts.  To be an effective leader, one must have the ability to empower self-management, control, and balance.

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