1. Intrepreneurship- Own the business, especially because it is not yours!
I had a rather delicate conversation with my mum recently that started me thinking. I mentioned to her that I was seeking employment and she ever the diplomat says softly I don’t think working works for you. Why not? Well, how many places have you worked at? About 10 I answer briskly (I’m not 40 yet and no, that does not include projects). Well have you checked why you left? Defensively I reel out the reasons until finally I blurted out: Well I made some wrong judgement calls, nobody mentored me and I didn’t know some things and well, what you don’t know you don’t know! So I’m doing this series so no one ever needs to blurt out like I did!
Intrepreneurship- like the much touted entrepreneurship, the only difference is whereas entrepreneurship refers to an outward thrust, going it on your own, taking risks for future profit. Intrepreneurship acknowledges that not all of us will strike out on our own, however all of us would benefit greatly from striking out for our organization. Two dilemmas immediately arise for the average Nigerian worker: 1. It is not my father’s business (we have to delete these words from our vocabulary) 2. What if I am taken advantage of?
Some things intrepreneurship is not:
a. Ass licking, becoming your bosses personal aide, etc in addition to your regular role so that you are favored (maintain good relationships but please be professional
b. Remaining in a job because you have no other options- consistent self-development is critical, your knowledge and exposure (or the lack thereof limits you and your organization). Ensure that your skills are always on the cutting edge, organizations should be consistently trying to poach you!
c. Landing a good (great job) in a multinational where you make almost illegal income for doing work that is beneath your capacity but your remain there till retirement because- well, how will you pay your bills? Or the more common what would your friends think?
If there are business challenges, you have sleepless nights too- not because you are worried you may lose your job but because you genuinely want to proffer solutions. You are researching constantly on the business model, cost structure, new customer/business focus. You are constantly thinking of ways to increase profit/ reduce costs.
It’s more than wishing the business well and praying for the leaders- you ensure that the business does well, as long as you are there! I’m always quick to say that one of my most enjoyed jobs was working at Maersk and yes, I was committed and loved it but, not once did I look at the financial statements (it was on the intranet for all to see), I never concerned myself with the business- till today I can’t quite tell you what Maersk actually does- yes it’s a container business BUT? How do they make/ lose money-I don’t know!
Many Nigerians were quick to complain that leadership was racist (they only trusted their own) In hindsight, I’m not so sure…It’s easy to see the glamour of the expatriate life, but how about the inconvenience and sacrifice it involves? How much do Nigerians contribute in real terms? Are we working enough? So connected to the business that our contributions really matter (not just shuffling paper and enjoying the cool factor that our jobs afford). I hear oil workers especially engineers complain that they are not involved in the heart of the business, in other words, “they won’t let me…” somehow, this rings falls to me. Sounds more like, “since they pay me so much and do not ask me to do much, I won’t bother
At one of my most hated organizations (which shall remain nameless), everyone was just poised to grab what they could. It was there I learned that sometimes the object of business is not really profit making. How else do you explain employing managers for years to ‘manage’ non-existent businesses? Each person excuses his/her bad behavior on the other- “did you see what the board approved for themselves?” “Managers are just blood suckers”, “staff are just useless”! Truth? If you are not faithful with that which is another mans’, who will give you your own?
Your thoughts please
