3 ways being an entrepreneur can make you a better person
Self-improvement may not always be the most obvious goal, but perhaps it should be. In our Fingerprint for Success (F4S) research, the attitudes of the most successful entrepreneurs also tend to make you a pretty well-rounded human being. Here’s how.
- Author
Rachel O'Regan
1. You’ll be a better communicator.
If you want to build your own business, it’s pretty much a given that you’ll need to be an effective communicator. But what’s more, successful business builders have a 20 percent higher focus on affective communication, as compared to the rest of the working population.
What’s the difference, you ask? Affective communication prioritizes non-verbal skills, such as eye contact, facial expressions, posture and tone of voice. Being aware of not just what you’re saying but how you’re saying it helps you build rapport and even improve your pitching abilities in the boardroom.
Why does this make us better humans?
It looks like there’s plenty of science to back up our F4S research. One study claims that tone of voice between couples can predict whether the relationship will last, to 78 percent accuracy. A little warmth, eye contact and a smile goes a long way.
2. You’ll become a people person.
Ever heard of the phrase, “no man is an island”? Even though most small businesses start from a bed or garage, good entrepreneurs quickly learn they’ll get nowhere without the expertise, support and, indeed, criticism of the people around them
One of the key attitudes F4S is able to measure is affiliation - that is, your motivation for connecting and bonding with the people in your working life. Striking the right balance of affiliation promotes a healthy, collaborative and inclusive environment, which is ripe for juicy startup innovation.
If you feel you have a low motivation for affiliation and shy away from too much emotional connection, with the self-awareness gained from tools like F4S, you can adjust your behaviour and feel empowered to experiment with more interaction. Maybe you'll even be compelled to throw a pizza party or two!
Why does this make us better humans?
Well, you might just find yourself smiling a lot more. According to a landmark study, the happiest 10 percent of people were those with strong social support. And, in the words of Louis Armstrong, when you smilin’, the whole world smiles with you.
3. You’ll build your self-esteem – and help others do the same.
Of course, there’s one thing all serious business people must have in common – ambition. Our research shows that the most successful people were driven by achievement, results and rewards.
It also makes sense for strong leaders to recognize the achievements of their team members. F4S is a powerful instrument in getting to know your team, and drilling down in key areas of their working attitudes - it's invaluable for celebrating and supporting key strengths that bring out the best work in them for your business. You might find they have just as much motivation for achievement as you do.
Why does this make us better humans?
Psychology shows a positive relationship between achievement and self-esteem. People with healthy self-esteem are better at asserting themselves, making decisions and building honest relationships. Start celebrating the wins – and each other – to see the difference it makes!
