From Employee to Intrapreneur: A Guide to Finding Your Team’s Hidden Genius!

If you have someone in your team who works really hard to make sure they do not have to listen to you telling them 'how' to do something, then you probably have someone with an entrepreneurial mindset. If a team member always has an idea or a thought about everything, you probably have an potential Intrapreneur in your team.

These are people with entrepreneurial skills and the mindset to match.

They are usually not fond of a manager or boss breathing down their neck, nor do they enjoy micro management. If anything, they want to be told what the vision is, what the KPIs are and then leave them be to accomplish the tasks.

These are people who have ideas.

Here are five ways to identify an Intrapreneur within your team:

• They often take the initiative to solve problems before they escalate. They don’t wait for directives; instead, they identify issues and propose solutions. Look for team members who actively seek out challenges and come to you with ideas to address them.

• These individuals consistently think outside the box and are not afraid to challenge the status quo. They generate new ideas and approaches that can improve processes or products. If someone is regularly proposing innovative concepts, they may be an intrapreneur.

• They treat their projects as if they are their own business. They show a high level of accountability and are driven by results. Notice team members who go above and beyond their responsibilities and take pride in their work.

• They excel at building relationships and collaborating with others. They often gather diverse perspectives to enhance their ideas. Pay attention to individuals who actively engage with colleagues across departments to foster collaboration.

• They thrive in uncertain environments and adapt quickly to changes. They view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Look for team members who remain positive and resourceful in the face of challenges.

Here are five sentences you might expect from an Intrapreneur when speaking to you:

"I've been thinking about how we can improve our customer experience—what if we implemented XYZ directly into our app?"

"I believe investing in a small pilot project for my idea could lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency in our operations."

"Can we set aside some time to brainstorm innovative solutions for the challenges we've been facing in the marketing department?"

"I’d love to lead a cross-departmental team to explore some disruptive ideas that could really set us apart from our competitors."

"I noticed a gap in our product line; I have a concept that could tap into a new market segment and boost our sales."

Someone should be popping into your head right about now. What to do next?

Here’s a list of 10 questions that you can ask yourself to evaluate whether a team member possesses an entrepreneurial mindset

(based on the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework):

• Does this team member actively identify and bring new opportunities to the table, demonstrating awareness of potential for innovation?

• How often does this individual propose creative solutions or think outside the box when faced with challenges?

• Does this team member have a clear vision for their work and articulate long-term goals that align with the team’s objectives?

• How effectively does this person gather and manage resources to pursue their ideas and projects?

• Does this team member demonstrate a good understanding of financial concepts relevant to their role and contribute to budget management?

• Is this individual skilled at engaging and motivating others, fostering a collaborative atmosphere within the team?

• Does this team member take the initiative to drive projects forward without needing constant direction?

• How proficient is this individual at developing actionable plans and effectively managing their tasks to achieve results?

• Is this team member willing to take calculated risks, and do they show resilience and a willingness to learn from setbacks?

• Does this individual actively build and maintain relationships that enhance collaboration and open up new opportunities for the team?

If you get more Yes than No, you need to have a conversation with your team member.

Here are five strategies to ensure you get the best from Intrapreneurs within your organization:

• Give them the freedom to explore their ideas without micromanagement. Allow them to make decisions and take ownership of their projects. This autonomy fosters creativity and encourages them to take initiative.

• Ensure that they have access to the necessary resources—such as time, budget, and tools—to execute their ideas. Offering mentorship and guidance can also help them navigate challenges and enhance their skills.

• Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Regular check-ins, brainstorming sessions, and open-door policies can facilitate constructive dialogue and collaboration.

• Acknowledge their efforts and successes. This could be through verbal recognition, bonuses, promotions, or opportunities for career advancement. Celebrating their achievements motivates them and reinforces their value to the organization.

• Put some safeguards too! You do not want them to go overboard with one idea and bet the entire company on it!

Here are five strategies to safeguard your company while still fostering an environment for Intrapreneurs:

• Define the scope of projects and the limits of decision-making authority for intrapreneurs. Clear guidelines help ensure that their initiatives align with the company’s overall strategy and values.

• Schedule regular progress meetings to assess projects and provide feedback. Do Not tell them what to do, till they ask, but you can ask what is happening, what progress has been made. They would probably enjoy the opportunity to showcase all that they have been able to create.

• Ensure that there are clear policies in place regarding ownership of ideas and intellectual property. Employees should understand what constitutes proprietary information and how it is protected to prevent any potential misuse.

• Keep a close eye on how resources—such as time, budget, and personnel—are allocated to intrapreneurial projects. This helps to prevent over-commitment or resource strain on other business areas, maintaining balance within the organization.

• Promote a collaborative approach between intrapreneurs and senior leadership. You become the protector and the conduit. Don't let them waste their energies on the nay-sayers.

In a world where innovation is the lifeblood of success, unlocking the potential of intrapreneurs within your organization is a game-changer. By recognizing their unique traits and fostering a supportive environment, you can transform your workplace into a breeding ground for creativity and innovation. Embrace the curious, the problem-solvers, and the risk-takers on your team, and watch as they turn ideas into impactful solutions that drive your business forward.

If you are ready to harness the power of intrapreneurship but feel overwhelmed with the implementation, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Call Prabhjot Bedi +91 9872000604 and let’s work together to unlock the hidden geniuses in your organization. Your next big idea is just a conversation away!

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