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The Classic Entrepreneur: A Look at the Dark Side
In a recent meeting with a business consultant, he asked me to describe myself and what I do for a living. When I was done answering, he shook his head with a chuckle and said, “Classic.”
It sounded cryptic. “Classic what?”
“You’re a classic entrepreneur,” he informed me easily. “And you have all the classic symptoms.” It didn’t sound good.
This led me to some research to find out exactly what this terrible disease might be. What I discovered was that “entrepreneur” is pretty close to a four-letter word: Jerk.
An entrepreneur is more than just a person who strikes up a business. There are specific personality traits and quirks that make up the classic profile of an entrepreneur – and they’re not very flattering.
It’s All about the Action
Entrepreneurs have tons of drive and high energy levels. They’re action-oriented and goal-minded people. But they’re selfish, because they’ll often use any resource they can to achieve their goals – including other people or a team. It’s all just a means to the end.
That means entrepreneurs can be team players – but not. An entrepreneur loves to wade into a group, take charge, and lead everyone to victory. But the victory isn’t the group’s victory. It’s the entrepreneur’s win. He just leveraged the group or himself to achieve the goal to influence the results, the outcome or the speed of the process.
Entrepreneurs are hard on themselves – most entrepreneurs are built to take a mental licking and keep on ticking. They’re physically resilient, too; they refuse to get sick. Stopping? Oh no. At the end of the day, when everyone else punches the clock, an entrepreneur just keeps on going.
I’m the Leader Here
It’s natural for an entrepreneur to take charge. They’re leaders. They like control and the freedom to act and take decisions. This means they don’t do well in structured groups unless they’re at the head of the pack giving orders. They don’t like someone having authority over them, so don’t tell an entrepreneur what to do.
But challenge an entrepreneur to reach a goal, and you’ve got a person who will seize the moment and make it all happen. An entrepreneur doesn’t really care about anything but the victory, though. Goal achieved? The entrepreneur switches it out for another goal, usually a bigger and better one.
Control Freaks
Entrepreneurs are egotistical. They often think they’re the best person for the job. Since they like their control, they have trouble delegating, too. If they do hand over a task, you can bet the entrepreneurs are keeping tabs and checking over shoulders to make sure it’s done right. Don’t check over an entrepreneur’s shoulder, though. That’s a recipe for disaster.
They’re dominant. Most entrepreneurs believe themselves to be smarter and better than other people. They want to do things their way – it’s the best way, after all. They manipulate and scheme to get people to do what they want or they take action to influence others towards a desired outcome.
Bulldog or Bull-Headed?
An entrepreneur is full of self-confidence. It’s a rare day when an entrepreneur thinks he can’t achieve a goal. He’s in full control, after all – of himself, of the situation and of others. Arrogant? Sometimes. Cocky? Often.
They’re relentless people. An entrepreneur never loses sight of what he or she wants. These driven people love adversity, because it gives them the chance to think up creative ways to break through the obstacle. They’ll pursue the desired outcome persistently, almost like a bulldog who won’t let go of the stick.
An entrepreneur is impatient. It’s all about now. Here. Right away. Immediately. There’s an underlying sense of urgency to everything an entrepreneur does. Sitting back or waiting makes an entrepreneur tense and uneasy. The more action, the better.
This is Business
Entrepreneurs aren’t very good with relationships. They say what they mean – often quite directly – and assume that everyone else does the same. Add to that problem that the entrepreneur is too trusting, too, which means they may not be skeptical enough when it comes to dealing with other people.
When dealing with people, an entrepreneur is more concerned about achievements than feelings. They’re quick to dissociate business from emotion and they sever relationships that don’t move progress forward to their satisfaction. And because entrepreneurs are impatient people, the ones they work with bear the brunt of that pressure to move faster.
In fact, entrepreneurs don’t feel too comfortable when things are going well. Smooth business makes them anxious and creates pent-up energy. They need action and a challenge, so they’ll stir some up to have some fun. Stressful situations? That’s when the entrepreneur is at his best. Everyone else is going crazy.
A Lost Cause?
After reading this, you’re probably doing one of three things:
- Nodding because your spouse or partner fits this profile
- Shrugging because you fit this profile and see nothing wrong with it
- Wondering if there is any hope for a cure, with such a bleak description
There is hope – plenty of it. Entrepreneurs have a wealth of qualities, and there are ways to bring out the best in every entrepreneur. We’ll cover that in an upcoming post. We’ll also cover some tips for working with entrepreneurs, too, to help those in business or personal relationships with these people.
Keep in mind another thought as we progress through exploring the entrepreneur – those high achievers need other people. You don’t have to be the go-getting take-charge jock of the office to be valuable and important.
After all, it takes all kinds to make a world.
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Ah yes. I used to work with a classic entrepreneur. He fit all of the characteristics mentioned above except for communicating clearly. He would alternate between being excessively blunt and expecting those he worked with to know what he was thinking without him having to say anything.
Needless to say, that didn’t work out too well.
Joshua Clanton – Design for the WEB’s last blog post..Entrepartnership: An Interview with the Men With Pens
James, this is a great description of “the entrepreneur”. It made me think of something that I’d pondered over some time ago.
I believe each of us has it within us to exhibit the spirit of the entrepreneur. It really only requires us to discover what it is, exactly, that we love to do.
When you have found that, it is easy to throw yourself into it heart and soul.
Sometimes it might seem like what we love cannot get us where we need to be financially, or whatever, so we may abandon the dream and take on something that pays the bills.
A successful entrepreneur, or a high-flying manager at a traditional workplace, is fortunate to have found something he or she loves that also pays the bills.
Of course, if this sort of thing isn’t for you, then it is up to you to find out what you love. Do what you love, do it with conviction, and the money will surely follow.
It kind of reminds me a bit of public speaking as well. Although I have no problem speaking about any topic in front of crowds, I find it *much* easier to speak about something I love.
It is actually hard to shut me up…
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
LOL, at least you know your strengths and weaknesses.
We all love you just the way you are, wouldn’t change a thing… except maybe that idea you have that you can conquer anything, that scares me sometimes.
I prefer people who speak their minds! It’s those quiet ones you have to watch out for! Preach on Mr. Chartrand!
Sadly, I am NOT an entrepreneur, only a writer. But I like being a wheel horse. Thanks for great post!
@ Jamie – I suppose it would depend on what you are doing with your writing – you may be an entrepreneur, or in the initial stages of it and not even know it!
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
@ Jamie – Ah, but you see? This post demonstrates exactly *why* it isn’t sad that there are people who aren’t entrepreneurs and go-getters. It takes people who are more settled and who prefer to take direction rather than give it to balance the entrepreneur’s vehemence in life.
It reminds me of the disgruntled office worker scenario, always bitching about the boss. But reverse the roles, and the office worker can’t handle the pressure or complex hierarchy and red tape, and the boss can’t handle the routine work that really has to be done for the whole company to function well.
@ Brett – Considering the negative profile of an entrepreneur, I’m not sure everyone *wants* to display this spirit! On the other hand, recognizing who you are as a person, strengths and weaknesses, only makes you stronger… and you can tamper the down sides a little for people if you’re aware of how much of a hard time you give them.
@ Joshua – That type of communication you mentioned sounds exactly like me. I have had to *seriously* work on the way I talk with people to adapt how I speak. I’ve had to learn diplomacy and smoothing my bluntness, and it hasn’t been easy. It often puzzles me, too. I find gift wrapping what I’m saying to deliver it more gently an odd way to interact.
But I’m doing well, don’t you think?
@ Jamie again – My ability to yell, “CHARGE!!!” scares you? That’s too funny; I never realized that. No wonder I’m always wondering why the people that should be taking the plunge with me are sort of muttering back there at the sidelines!
@ James – I guess it really depends on what kind of entrepreneurs people have encountered! I’ve encountered all types, and I guess my experience has been pretty good because few of them leaned towards the negative… the ones who alienated too many people tended to fade away.
The successful ones, as you say, learn how to work with others. Because really, everyone has a part to play. The high-flying entrepreneur or CEO can’t exist without the gray collar worker, and everyone else.
In my “day job”, in my old position, there are many aspiring managers who exhibit the entrepreneurial spirit. Some of them “get it” and play well with others, some don’t.
In particular, we had a small group of experienced tradesmen who are the most important part of the business, even though they are not “management”. The successful managers recognize this, and work with the old guys.
So as you say, the people who do the work, take the direction, are just as important as the leaders.
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
@ James It doesn’t always scare me, just sometimes.But I guess that’s a good thing. It pushes me out of my comfort zone on occasion. It’s good for growth.
@Brett, yep, maybe I am a baby entrepreneur, I want to be just like James when I grow up…. Oh wait, I’m not Canadian.
@ Jamie – I’m learning a lot from these guys, and the people who hang out here, and I’ve also been learning from my children, as I explore my ideas – I watch my children try, and fail, and I’ve resolved to never grow up!!!
(Don’t worry about not being Canadian, there’s still a cold one for you in the fridge…)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
I hear you on the children thing Brett. My boys are into Peter Pan right now. You can learn a lot from that story!
James and Harry are great leaders in this industry. They care deeply about what they do and the people they come in contact with. They have heart and passion. That’s a great combination for success!
Okay, you nailed me.
I do recognize elements of my (younger, less mature) self here. It makes me realize why people have been telling me for years I have the spirit of an entrepeneur. Must be the bluntness. However, I hung out for long enough NOT being an entrepeneur to learn better (mostly) how to play with others. I do find when I’m excited about achieving something though, I can forget that other people and feelings might be involved. I’m fortunate in that I’ve acquired a couple of friends who aren’t afraid to confront me, and that helps keep me on track, too.
Write on!
@ James: You don’t strike me as being excessively blunt, so I guess you’re doing a good job.
Joshua Clanton – Design for the WEB’s last blog post..Entrepartnership: An Interview with the Men With Pens
@ Jamie – you can learn a lot from children’s stories in general, after all, if the principles worked for kids, they might just work for adults as well…
@ Christie – a friend who can be completely honest with you, is invaluable.
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
@ Joshua – Like I said, I work hard at it
@ Christie – Ayup. Same here. I do fine and then suddenly I get this BIG IDEA AND OHMIGOD HARRY, WE HAVE TO DO THIS, COME ON COME ON FASTER… and it’s quite thrilling for me and hellish for Harry.
But like you say, we grow, mature and learn how to play with others. It’s like realizing you come from Mars, not Pluto, and you have to learn the language to get along well. And get what you want
@ Jamie – I’ll make you an honorary Canadian because flattery gets you everywhere.
@ James – let’s send Jamie a case of Quebec liquor, and some bacon…
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
Hell does not begin to describe what it’s like to be on the receiving end of an entrepreneur’s enthusiasm. I have learned, in cases like this, to quietly nod my head and say, “Yes, James, I’ll look into it.” in a tone of voice that suggests he best let me finish the first Brilliant Idea first or suffer the consequences.
And yes, I will be writing a post from the non-entrepreneur’s POV.
@ Harry – that sounds like the canned response I used to give my old boss when she’d ask me for something…
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
I did find myself nodding in agreement — I suppose I have the entrepreneurial spirit — I have my own business and one business partner. Certainly, we want to be successful, but I have no ambition to have our business become the next big corporation.
But I am a perfectionist, too *gets reminded about yesterday’s post*
Are entrepreneurs perfectionists?
Inspired from your post title:
Men with Pens
Forever Will Our Writing Dominate Your Destiny
Nez’s last blog post..Why People Love a Good Mystery
Hmmm…this one’s a tough one for me, James. You see, I’m all about trying not to typecast or stereotype people . . . but – you make some good points and you do say words like most and many.
I found myself to agree with most of the points you had above when relating them to me, however, there were a few qualities that don’t reflect me.
I think Christie hit on something.
I think the way you were raised, brought up, and the people you hang out with greatly influence the type of entrepreneur you’re going to be. Just as people who were brought up in a Christian family will probably grow up to be Christians themselves, entrepreneurs who are brought up in a well nurtured family and given great social morals will grow up to be a different type of entrepreneur than those who grew up with parents like Donald Trump.
For example, James, were your parents pretty blunt with people?
The part where you said: Entrepreneurs are egotistical. They often think they’re the best person for the job, is true and so is how many of them think their way is the best and they know better than you (thus many times they won’t listen to others).
The funny thing is, my cousin (an entrepreneur) is SO like that it has made me aware of such thought and I’m very *humble* (uh-oh, there’s that word
) when it comes to recognizing others expertise and knowledge. However, what I do with that information is up to me – but I always listen.
Interesting post and I’m looking forward to your thoughts.
@Brett – you’re right. Don’t concern yourself with “making” money. Do what you love. Do it well. The money will follow as a side effect.
John Hoff’s last blog post..The Art of Persuasion (Part 2 of 3): Knowledge, Timing, Listening
@Harry and Brett – yeah it’s in the “How to deal with an entrepreneur” book!
John Hoff’s last blog post..The Art of Persuasion (Part 2 of 3): Knowledge, Timing, Listening
@ John,
That will be (if all goes according to plan) just about the only advice I will give my gang of kids – do what you love, whatever that may be.
It isn’t that I received bad advice from my parents (they pretty much said ‘ask some other people what they like to do’, and I talked with a few people etc.)
There were two things I liked to do, one was write, and the other was solve problems. I have enjoyed engineering, and now at this point in my life, I’m ready to write again. Something I love, something I can share.
And if I choose the subject material carefully, I may even be able to solve problems.
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
@ John – I think Harry’s writing that. Should be interesting.
Certainly, the way you were raised helps shape your values and beliefs and how you interact with others in the world. Society, culture, the media, parents, peers… each one of us lived unique lives and are different.
There are “classic” profiles, though, and these profiles regroup the most common shared traits between certain types of people. This profile lists those of an entrepreneur. Not all entrepreneurs will be exactly like this, but most entrepreneurs can recognize themselves in many of these traits.
(Note the use of “most” and “many”. I’m not a writer for nuthin’, y’know)
You also noted that recognition of how we are helps us alter our behavior. An alcoholic who denies he has a drinking problem won’t get anywhere. An alcoholic who knows he has a problem may seek to do something about it (whether for the good or the worse.)
The same goes for dealing with people. Like Christie mentioned, she’s aware of her behavior’s effect on others, and so attempts to modify it. Same goes for me. But for both of us, it’s counter-nature (to misuse the term) and we tend to slide back when excited. I’m sure neither of us are selfish, egotistical people – and yet our behaviors can be exactly that. We don’t mean to hurt others, but we have the potential. Acknowledging and managing ourselves helps.
There *are* qualities in entrepreneurs. I’m writing a post on that. This one lists the cons. We’ll see how many of us ring true with the pros
@ Nez – Entrepreneurs are not perfectionists per se. However, they believe their way is best and their way is the only way. But they do know when to move on (hey, there’s something else to do, right?) and they don’t go nuts over details. The end is the goal, not the means or the effect of the results. They just want to achieve and get on to the next thing, generally. Their way. Because it’s the right way.
Men with Pens. We *are* your Destiny
@ Brett – Harry is right. A canned response is the best response for an entrepreneur’s ears. Nod and smile.
I completely disagree with your prognosis. The symptoms are accurate but the conclusion is not. I’ve now many entrepreneurs and continue to meet them on my journey. Some fit this profile, many didn’t. What you described is a certain personality type (the High D personality if you use Robert Rohm’s personality system) that is often drawn toward positions of leadership and enterprise. Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a personality.
Yes I’d have to say, if you don’t recognize many of these traits in you, you’re probably not an entrepreneur . . . or not a very good one, lol.
John Hoff’s last blog post..The Art of Persuasion (Part 2 of 3): Knowledge, Timing, Listening
@ Shane – I’m not sure what conclusion you’re referring to, because if you disagree that entrepreneurs are valuable people with good qualities as are other types of personalities, then we’re all in trouble.
What I described is the type of personality that is commonly shared by entrepreneurs. We studied this in my psychology courses at university, and you can read some more about the personality profile of an entrepreneur here, for a start.
Entrepreneurship is a role we take on. An entrepreneur is a person, and that person has a personality profile. This is the dark side of it.
But I’m curious – what are you disagreeing with? I’m not sure I understand.
As I read your article, I saw a hypothesis – that entrepreneurs have a specific personality type i common – which you described one facet of (the “dark” side). The stereo type of the entrepreneur has some truth to it – or it wouldn’t exist. Ultimately though – I don’t buy into the fact that it represents most of them. People with this personality type are just usually the loudest and make the most waves. Let alone, most personality research I have seen that looks at entrepreneurs studies the big business ones, not small companies. It is mostly semantics in the end.
@ James – (nodding and smiling)
when I read that line “Men with Pens. We *are* your Destiny” the voice in my head sounds like Darth Vader.
Is this the dark side you were referring to?
Seriously though, I think you touched on something when you said that “entrepreneurship is a role we take on”.
It is possible to successfully “role play” in business dealings and masquerade as a personality type different from your own.
In fact, I think that this is an essential skill and successful people of all types – especially entrepreneurs – learn how to do this.
(Personally, by nature I’m very accepting and easy going but if push comes to shove in a business setting, I can and will do it.)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
So your saying that this whole time I
was acting like an entrepreneur? I thought it was just my Scorpio nature.
Dave Conrey’s last blog post..Lack of Vision and Commitment Could Kill Your Business
@Brett: I thought of Back To the Future. Only McFly’s line was “I am your Density.”
@ Harry – I almost misspelled it as ‘density’ when I first typed it! And then I laughed because I though of that…
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
I’ve had to come to grips wit this profile in almost every job I’ve had … but you’ve got to give even the dark side entrepreneurs credit. I once worked for an operation that had a fair number of employees and remember saying “Doesn’t it bother you that all the people who started this company are backstabbing sharks? And that the people at the top of too many companies usually are, too?”
The response to me was simply, “Look around you. Because of these sharks, there are about 100 people who are drawing a paycheck and feeding their families.”
Not necessarily defending the sharks who are out there to make their millions on the backs of others … but without them, there’d be a whole lot fewer jobs out there.
Dave Navarro – Freelance Smackdown!’s last blog post..Freelance Smackdown: Day 14 Update (With ?Secret?-Busting Goodness)
@ Dave – I’m not saying that entrepreneurs are bad. They also have highly desirable qualities (which I’ll explore in a second post coming soon) and generally help many people achieve goals they wouldn’t have otherwise. You’re very right in the points you bring forth.
@ Dave – Scorpios… Ah, god. Beautiful entrepreneurs through and through. Better to blame your astrological sign than your personality, though, isn’t it?
@ Dave – you are bang on with the shark analogy.
To continue it then, I guess the 100 people are remoras. Hmm, not a bad arrangement I suppose!
I’d also like to say that you needn’t feel like you’re defending the sharks (who make their millions on the backs of others) – I mean, pretty much anyone reading this is very definitely privileged to live where we live, and let’s face it, in a lot of ways we (our society) does just that – making money off the backs of the less privileged.
(I’m getting all philosophical I know…)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
@ James – I think we all need to wait for your second post when you’ll explore the other side of entrepreneurs!
(I agree with you, like all mortals, they have good and bad sides…)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
Great post and one that made me crack up quite a bit while reading it as I have noticed some common traits of mine.
At some stages my head was nodding so heavily that it nearly fell off.
But seriously. I’m kind of proud to be an entrepreneur albeit not one of the dark side. I’m kind of like a soft approach entrepreneur but very head strong all the while. Relationships is were I struggle the most.
I hate falseness and sucking up to people just for the sake of it. I guess I’m far to honest and blunt to ever become the town’s most favorite person but over the years I have learned to live with that and am actually very happy since I don’t waste my time with needless punter at fake parties.
The few good friends I do have are friends for life and can be counted on two hands but they would die for me and vice versa.(Well, maybe not die, but I’m sure you know where I’m coming from). In the end I’m very blessed with what I have and am as being an entrepreneur is giving me the foundation to success.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..Objection Your Honour
I definitely don’t agree with this post. Entrepreneurs come from all parts of the spectrum and to cast them in this negative light is disserving to the tens of thousands of individuals who have toiled and struggled to build successful businesses while providing jobs and a living for myriads of others.
@Monika – well said. I’m proud to say I’m an entrepreneur and like the qualities I have. Like everyone else in this world, there are good ones and bad ones.
John Hoff’s last blog post..The Art of Persuasion (Part 2 of 3): Knowledge, Timing, Listening
@ Jim – You are right – there are all kinds of entrepreneurs out there, and entrepreneurs have plenty of great qualities, as I’ve mentioned in the post itself and repeatedly in the comment thread. I’m sure you read those comments. I also agreed with Dave (and now you) that entrepreneurs build opportunities for others.
But if you believe that all entrepreneurs are pleasant, easy to get along with, rosy, sweet people to hang out and work with, you’re dead wrong. Everyone has weaknesses and this is an entrepreneur’s. I haven’t gotten to strengths yet, but I will.
Thanks for reading and welcome.
@ Monika – Well said.
@ John – Yeppers.
Love to lead? Check. Control freak? Check. Think that I have to do it, always? Check. (Unless it’s doing the dishes. Then someone else is free to do it.
) The only one I think doesn’t completely apply to me is the last one… I’m usually pretty aware of how other people are feeling. Of course, if I don’t feel like I’m getting much out of a friendship (I can’t really talk much about business relationships, because I’m not quite at that point yet) then I’m quick to let it go, so maybe?
Allison’s last blog post..Taste and Create 5
*grin* I’d say probably. Dishes don’t count.
@ Allison – while I’m not sure that you are a “Sith Lady” on the dark side of entrepreneurship (as you seem like a pretty nice gal)
you are most definitely an entrepreneur.
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
@ James – Darn.
Oh well.
@ Brett –
I’m not evil, I swear!
Allison’s last blog post..Taste and Create 5
Well, I didn’t think so…
PS – you’re on “the list” this week, so I expect to place an order or two for shirts…
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
And what’s wrong with being a Sith Lord? *brushes off his black cloak*
@Allison: Once you have fully come over to the Dark Side, we shall call you Darth Sushi.
(shudders in fear)
N-n-n-nothing at all, Lord Harrison…
Reminds me of the old D&D days, I don’t think I ever played a character who wasn’t lawful evil, maybe neutral evil for “variety”… heh heh
Brett Legree’s last blog post..inertia. momentum. focus. change.
@ Brett –
Awesome!
@ Harry – Tempting. Very tempting. Hmm… I wonder what Darth Sushi would be made of? Now there’s an idea…
Allison’s last blog post..Taste and Create 5
@ Allison,
Darth Sushi would be made of Alaska blackfish:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_blackfish
(it is apparently a very hardy fish, just won’t die, sort of like Darth Vader…)
Brett Legree’s last blog post..rocks.
@ Brett – Genius!
Allison’s last blog post..Taste and Create 5
@ John: thanks for the heads up. I’m sure we are all most likely very loverly entrepreneurs by the sounds of it anyway.
@ Allison: finally another woman who hates doing the dishes. I will go one step further and say I hate house work.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..A Letter to My Parents
@ Monika (and Allison, by extension)
At my house, I do the dishes (well, load/unload the dishwasher, and wash the pots/pans, anyway…), and we hire a housekeeper.
My lovely wife does more than her share with the four kids, in addition to working full time with me. So it is the *very* least I can do… make sure you train your men properly.
Brett Legree’s last blog post..rocks.
No wonder I have trouble keeping friends.
hehehe
Hmmm….do most entrepreneurs really believe they’re “the best person for the job”? In my mind, one of the appeals of entrepreneurship is the ability to take on big, hairy, audacious goals that involve jobs you are not the best at or just plain don’t want to do! A restauranteur does not need to be a chef.
Barbara Saunders’s last blog post..Goin’ Down the Road Feelin’ …