Encourage Your “Intrapreneurs” to Innovate!

Encourage Your “Intrapreneurs” to Innovate!

Are you trying to grow your business, and seeking ideas on how? Why don’t you give your staff the ability to be “intrapreneurs”? Most of us are familiar with the term “entrepreneur” but may not have thought about its internal parallel. An “intrapreneur” is someone who takes the initiative inside your company to create an idea and “turn the idea into a profitable finished product through assertive risk-taking and innovation.” (Pinchot University, 2015.)

Many staff members may feel as though their ideas would be rejected, or even looked down upon if they openly communicated them. And some of the most promising intrapreneurs are naturally humble, quiet, and internalize their thoughts. They may only need your invitation and reassurance to fully participate!

As a business-leader, you are an entrepreneur…and understand the innovative mindset. Consider, though, that you can learn a lot from your staff. Have brainstorming sessions and allow your employees to freely communicate their ideas. Such sessions can benefit your firm by increasing employee morale as well as allowing you to receive direct feedback about the company’s procedures and strategies in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

If you communicate to your employees that all opinions are not only welcomed but encouraged, you are inviting your “hidden” intrapreneurs to contribute to the growth and profitability of your company, while also building intellectual capital within your firm.

According to Pinchot University, “innovation is necessary if an organization wants to grow or stay competitive.” Allow your employees to be creative with their ideas and follow them through to implementation. This true empowerment can give your brand a new boost that you may never have thought of as an employer. Be supportive, be open, and be reassuring to your intrapreneurs. You may just be surprised with the outcome!

Have you thought about new ways to grow your business? We have….

Pinchot University (2015). Retrieved at http://pinchot.edu/what-is-intrapreneurship/

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