
With the vast number of startups nipping at the heels of large and established corporations, it is safe to say that entrepreneurship is having a renaissance. Stories of successful startups aboundâso much so that entrepreneurship is now a major at many business colleges. However, despite this upsurge in the number of successful business ventures, the majority of entrepreneurial people will not be able to see their business ideas come to fruition. Why? With all the risk involved in being an entrepreneur, not everyone can afford such a precarious life. And this is such a waste considering the fact that 93% of working adults in the US consider themselves entrepreneurial.
Luckily, thereâs a way to use these qualities within businesses and organizations. The intrapreneurâor âinside entrepreneurââtaps into his entrepreneurial skills without the risk involved in being an entrepreneur. Instead of going it alone, an intrapreneur aligns his entrepreneurial energy with the goals of the business where he thrives.
Whatâs the Buzz Over Intrapreneurship?
What is intrapreneurship in the current business landscape? The word is being tossed around more often nowadays because companies need intrapreneurs to sustain the innovation that propelled their business during startup. Likewise, businesses need individuals who can execute ideas. The intrapreneur is a skilled driver who can lead the venture from start to finish.
Hereâs are some inspirational examples of accomplished intrapreneurs:
Google’s 20% Time Programme
Google is tagged as the playground of intrapreneurs. Some of their best initiatives (Gmail, Google News, AdSense and Google Now) were results of their 20% Time Programme. This initiative allows Google engineers to spend 20% of their time on projects that interest them.
3M’s Genesis Grant
One of 3Mâs most famous productsâthe Post-It noteâwas a result of the companyâs intrapreneurial culture. The company allows its employees to allocate 15% of their time and spend it on projects they like for 3M. The management even funds these projects through the Genesis Grant.
DreamWorks’ Free Story Development Classes
DreamWorks believes in its employees and their ability to tell stories. Employees are offered free classes for story development and scriptwriting. These stories are then presented to the executive team to be considered as potential stories.
Intel’s New Business Initiative Program
Intel has always been run with innovation in its DNA. Through its New Business Initiative (NBI) program, employees are given a chance to develop and present new ideas. Intel provides funding and incubation for these new concepts.
Apple’s Intrapreneurship Culture
What is intrapreneurship without referring to Apple? The companyâs intrapreneurship culture is highly publicized through its founder Steve Jobs. The Mac, iPod, iTunes, iPhone and iCloudâthese are all results of a culture that supports innovation, passion, creativity, and motivation.
How to Inspire Intrapreneurship
The creator of the word âIntrapreneurââGifford Pinchot IIIâdescribed these kinds of employees as the “Dreamers who do. They are the ones who take hands-on responsibility for creating innovation of any kind, within a business.” One of the worst things an organization can do is to stifle this creative and innovative spirit, which leads us to the first step in inspiring intrapreneurship within your team.
Step 1: Establishing a structure that encourages creativity and innovation is vital. Recognize that ideas can come from all levels. Set up an organizational structure where employees can throw in ideas no matter where they are in the rung.
Step 2: Prioritize promoting healthy working relationshipsâbe it peer-to-peer or employee-to-leaders. This encourages open communication at all levels.
Step 3: Create an inclusive, fun and diverse environment. Remember that ideas flow much easier when people are having fun.
Step 4: Empower employees to take part in building the success of the business. Encourage the intrapreneur in your ranks to go beyond their job description. Create and assign projects that are outside the normal daily responsibilities. Routinary thinking is a surefire way to kill creativity.
Go ahead and tap the intrapreneurial spirit among your ranks. It will work wonders on your teamâs overall performance.