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Essential Read: ‘Entrepreneurial Strengths Finder’ by Jim Clifton and Sangeeta Bharadwaj Badal

January 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Sangeeta Bharadwaj Badal and Jim Clifton, co-authors of 'Entrepreneurial Strengths Finder'

Sangeeta Bharadwaj Badal and Jim Clifton, co-authors of 'Entrepreneurial Strengths Finder'

Entrepreneurial Strengths Finder is a really interesting read for any entrepreneur that is trying to understand how best to achieve business success and to identify those traits that make success more of a possibility. This book focuses on the psychology of the entrepreneur, understanding what drives entrepreneurs to start a business venture in the first place, and thereafter sustain and grow it into a successful company. It examines the critical personality characteristics and behaviors that lead to business venture creation and success, and asks key questions about whether an entrepreneur is born, or can learn the skills required.  

 

Entrepreneurial Strengths Finder takes an interesting new approach as it delves into the actual psychology of the successful entrepreneur. Through solid research, it demonstrates that decisions and actions, influenced by the personality of the entrepreneur, really do affect the survival and growth of any venture. The book looks at the world’s most successful business builders and examines what drives them to start, sustain, and grow a successful company.  It examines a number of key factors in great detail, including: why so many businesses fail during their first five years; why business focus is a crucial entrepreneurial talent; why high confidence is crucial for entrepreneurs; why great entrepreneurs are creative thinkers; why successful entrepreneurs are effective delegators; why entrepreneurs with high determination don’t give up; why successful entrepreneurs declare their independence; and how entrepreneurs manage high risk situations.

 

“Entrepreneurs with high determination tenaciously pursue goals. You identify opportunities, take initiative, and persevere when faced with obstacles. You are focused on winning and will not take no for an answer. This attitude helps you launch new businesses, enter new markets, and invent new products despite formidable barriers.” Jim Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Gallup

One of the most interesting chapters in the book examines how highly successful entrepreneurs have a high adversity quotient - the ability to recover from setbacks quickly. Entrepreneurs with high determination don't give up when the going gets tough. Delays and obstructions don't deter them. Their tenacity and persistence allow them to swiftly and effectively recover from setbacks and failures. Whether confronted by a failed project, an unsuccessful product launch, or a disastrous end to a new venture, they know how to pick themselves up and resume their efforts with even greater determination. Ultimately, they strongly believe that they can overcome any obstacle by working harder.

For any entrepreneur that is experiencing seemingly insurmountable challenges, continuing set backs, seemingly impossible hurdles to be overcome, this is one book that will provide perspective and a can-do attitude. It reminds us all that every successful entrepreneur has been through the same types of challenges, battled the same set backs, and eventually emerged triumphant at the other side.  

About the authors

Jim Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Gallup, is author of The Coming Jobs War and coauthor of Entrepreneurial Strengths Finder. His most recent innovation, the Gallup World Poll, is designed to give the world's 7 billion citizens a voice in virtually all key global issues. Under Clifton's leadership, Gallup has expanded from a predominantly U.S.-based company to a worldwide organization with 40 offices in 30 countries and regions.

Sangeeta Bharadwaj Badal, Ph.D., coauthor of Entrepreneurial Strengths Finder, is the primary researcher for Gallup's Entrepreneurship and Job Creation initiative. Dr. Badal is responsible for translating research findings into interventions that drive small-business growth. She is the author of the book Gender, Social Structure and Empowerment: Status Report of Women in India. Dr. Badal earned her doctorate in anthropology and geography from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

Visit the website www.gallupstrengthscenter.com


Why LoA loves it....

This is a really insightful and enjoyable read as it is written in a highly engaging, conversational style.  It is also hugely practical and includes   strategies and action plans that will give guidance on how to build successful business ventures. We also liked the online test that measures readers’ entrepreneurial potential – it is a good way of benchmarking yourself as an entrepreneur against your global peer group and asking some tough questions of yourself.  At LoA, we think this is a must read for any entrepreneur who wants to find their personal competitive edge and prepare themselves to meet any future challenges along their business journey. --- Melanie Hawken, LoA founder and editor-in-chief

 

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Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

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