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