Here are the 10 worst traits of even the great entrepreneurs,
1. Not a team player
Most entrepreneurs start their business because they perceive a need
in the market not seen by others, and often they just don’t enjoy
working with others. In time, however, every business requires a team,
and giving up control becomes a constant struggle. Some entrepreneurs
simply jump ship and start again.
2. Over-confident to the point of being egotistical
Letting your ego drive decisions is not the same as confidence based
on knowledge and trust. While entrepreneurs need a healthy ego for body
armor, it can quickly become the negative trait of arrogance if not
tempered. Many put Ted Turner and
Larry Ellison in this category.
3. Multitasking to the extent of thrashing
Entrepreneurs often have a thousand things going in their mind, and
switch so rapidly from one to the other that they leave many people
confused, including themselves. The result is that important tasks get
short shrift, and relationships suffer. Don’t let multitasking supersede
focus and real listening.
4. Demands perfection from all
Entrepreneurs who are perfectionists are never satisfied with their
own work, as well as the work of others. This can cause delays and costs
in the business, as well as friction and frustration in relationships
with team members, partners, and customers.
Steve Jobs survived this imperfection, or it made Apple famous.
5. Paranoid reaching delusional proportions
The good trait of being alert and cautious when approaching new
people and new partners can easily morph into paranoia, where the
entrepreneur trusts no one, and thinks all deals are a potential plot.
The best entrepreneurs believe they can find win-win relationships with
partners and investors.
6. Strong convictions bordering on obstinate
The best leaders have strong convictions, but listen to others, and
are willing to compromise when required, to move the ball forward. In
business, if you refuse to compromise to meets the needs of customers,
your competitors will replace you. Business is no place for
stubbornness.
7. Procrastination on certain challenges
Sometimes I see very smart entrepreneurs who struggle with tough
issues, like hiring and firing people. They may ignore these, or hand
them off to a capable business partner. The positive traits of learning,
management disciplines, and timely decisions have to step forward
consistently to grow a business.
8. Work-life balance
Most entrepreneurs will admit to being a workaholic at some stage of
their startup. Ultimately this dedication will be seen as a negative
trait by partners, family members, and team members, and can limit your
business growth. Migrate to the positive traits of delegation and
organization.
9. Often emotional and temperamental
Passion and sensitivity to people are key traits in every good
entrepreneur, but in some cases, these can seem to escalate to mood
changes and emotional outbursts for no reason. At this point the leader
may make less rational decisions, and loses the loyalty and trust of
associates and customers.
10. Looks at the world through colored lenses
Successful entrepreneurs can easily lose sight of the real business
world, once the perks of power and influence set in. The time to worry
is when you start seeing humility as a character flaw, rather than a
positive trait
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