For some, a nine to five job is ideal – it’s predictable, creates time for better work-life balance, and provides a steady ladder for growth. Then there are others, who prefer to take another road – they want to work for themselves, do something that’s risky and (at least initially) uncomfortable, and do it with a great, unfettered hope.
Click start to play today’s Word Search, where you can spot the word “entrepreneur”, among others.
According to a March 2016 report by the American financial and business news website Business Insider, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) reveals that not everyone is predisposed to entrepreneurship – it takes a certain personality type. The MBTI uses introspective questionnaires to identify psychological differences among people. Here are the four overlapping strengths that were found in people who were likely to be entrepreneurs:
1. They are curious
According to a January 2015 poll by Gallup, an American analytics and advisory company, of hundreds of entrepreneurial behaviours, knowledge seeking was one of the most important. This kind of curiosity, called ‘entrepreneurial alertness’, is the ability to notice opportunities that others may have overlooked. For instance, entrepreneurs would notice an abandoned building and think about what kind of business potential it represents for them.
2. They are creative
This quality is the core of entrepreneurship, because they literally have to create something from nothing. According to a February 2004 study in the UK-based journal Emerald Insight, creativity is the single most important trait entrepreneurs must have. It’s why they are more innovative than the general population.
3. They take ownership
In tough times, entrepreneurs distinguish themselves from the rest by looking at obstacles as a challenge. According to Business Insider, psychologists call this mindset ‘internal locus of control’ – they firmly believe they are in control of their destiny, and are able to use it to achieve business success and find satisfaction in their work.
4. They are decisive
The most successful entrepreneurs are least likely to be cooperative, empathetic and concerned with people-pleasing – they prioritise progress over emotions. While some use logic to steadily work towards their goal, others organise an action plan, and implement decisions quickly and systematically. Regardless of the way they do it, entrepreneurs take risks, work steadily and evolve as their company changes and grows.
Do you agree with this assessment of an entrepreneur’s personality? Play today’s Word Search and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
