Many executives believe the line that Frank Sinatra sang in New York, New York: If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere. As you may have gathered from our previous points on corporate refugees, this is not true when moving from the corporate environment to solo practice, a partnership or a small business.
Last week we discussed culture shock: how the work environment is different and how the demands on you are different. The phrase that best describes the move is – easier said than done. And why? – because we find that most don’t take the time to see if they have the business personality to succeed in a new and different business environment.
How self-aware are you? (No this is not about self-help or getting in touch with your feelings; it’s about knowing your business personality and where and in what situations you are likely to do well. And, where you are at risk for problems.) It’s easy to say you can be a consultant, or start you own business, but if you are risk averse and have a higher need for security/stability, starting your own business may not be the best decision for you!
We all have a business personality; it’s neither positive nor negative as a stand-alone. Some people enjoy working alone and are very detailed oriented. Others are highly social and outgoing and enjoy being with people – and detail is a word they don’t even know how to spell. Businesses need both types; and they need them in the right job. You don’t want a sales person who enjoys working alone; just as you don’t want a person who is not detail oriented to be designing the space shuttle. It’s all about context. There are no good or bad business personalities, there is only a right fit or a wrong fit personality within the context of the work to be done.
If you haven’t already, before you change career direction because it “sounds good to you”, take some time to assess your business personality. It will save you time, money, and it will reduce the stress on you and those around you.
Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest
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