The term ‘intrapreneurship’ may be a new term to a lot of people in Nepal, but it is in fact a popular and old term.
Though the term was coined by management consultant Gifford Pinchot in the 1980s, the Nepali scene only was made familiar with the term in the last decade. It is generally compared with the term entrepreneurship, but there is one major difference. An entrepreneur sets up his/her own business with innovative ideas and creativity while intrapreneurs work for a company or organisation using innovative ideas to follow the goal of the company.
Intrapreneurs are also a type of employee but different in the sense that they are assigned to complete a certain task creatively, effectively, and efficiently. In any Nepali organisation, there are people who are given authority and support to create something new without having to be concerned about whether or not the new venture will actually become a source of revenue for the organisation.
So, here are some qualities. When you attain them, you will be considered an intrapreneur:
1. They are courageous
As they have a passion for what they do, here comes the next part. It is that they are set to act on it no matter the consequences. They are courageous enough to do so. They are not afraid to make decisions and act on them immediately. They are aware that they may lose their job if they fail. Still, they dare to go after pursuing their goals. Also, they are not afraid of failing or being criticised by other people. They are aware that they will be tested and criticised in their journey. So, they will face all the obstacles and keep moving forward. Overall, they are courageous employees.
2. They are passionate about their work
Intrapreneurs have a passion for what they do or what they are assigned to do by the organisation. They believe any work can be done easily and efficiently if you have a passion for the work. They are driven and determined. They have the mentality to achieve the goal once they set it. They have a purpose firsthand and are passionate enough to go after it. Thus, intrapreneurs are goal-oriented, passionate, and driven to achieve greater things.
3. They challenge the process and system
Intrapreneurs do not step back down even when people question their ideas and credibility. They know that not everyone has a vision like them and neither do the people believe in their ideas and vision. They move on with it and do not take the negative criticism too seriously. They see the vision early on. Furthermore, they challenge the process and system, still being diplomatic. They know the value of connection and network. So, they work to disrupt the market and industry but build a good connection with people.
4. They focus on creativity and innovation
To make the most of their company or organisation, they require people who outsmart in ideas and innovation. So, intrapreneurs are the people used by companies/organisations that are in great need of new and innovative ideas. Their creative thinking helps them sort out any kinds of problems or shortcomings of the organisation. Intrapreneurs are creative and innovative. Their work or way of doing things reflects their creativity and they bring unexplored innovations to outsmart the organisation.
5. They are multitalented
They are also among the multitalented people with a sweet combination of both knowledge and skill. They acquire the necessary soft skills along with the desired industry skills. They are professionals in their field and they keep on sharpening their skills. In the present era, presentation and communication are the key skills. All the aspiring intrapreneurs are aware of this fact and there are rarely the ones with low communication skills. Hence, intrapreneurs have fine knowledge of both their industry as well as soft skills important in the present context.
6. They are confident
Intrapreneurs are confident about their work and also have strong and confident personalities so that they effectively complete any sorts of tasks assigned to them. They make decisions with confidence. They have the confidence to start and complete tasks with the delivery of the desired results. Therefore, they execute ideas effectively and efficiently. Even in situations where they fail, they do not give up and look out for other possibilities. They are confident that the goals they set will be achieved. They focus on the present, without regretting the past and overthinking the future.
7. They search for opportunities
They have a keen eye for business opportunities around them. If not, they create one. They look for opportunities and implement them in their work. Furthermore, the companies also try to create a similar environment where they can explore new ideas for them. When the usual employees ask for more resources, the intrapreneurs make the most even from limited resources. Or they find possible resources for a task with their creative and researchful brain easily. This is also the reason that makes them a rare breed and worth assigning for completing a task.
8. They have the quality of adaptability
Intrapreneurs are aware of the change. They know that change is essential and are quickly adaptive to the changing environment. They actively and efficiently respond to the changing environment. They know that the industry is changing constantly and it is essential to grow along with the change. So, they are updated about the new industry skills as well. Along with keeping up with the protocols of the company, they change with the desire of the industry.
