In today’s competitive business environment, it’s no longer enough to simply show up and do your job. To truly stand out and accelerate your career, you need to think like an owner, not just an employee. This mindset shift—from employee to intrapreneur—can be the key to unlocking new opportunities, gaining recognition, and making yourself indispensable to your company.
But what does it mean to think like an owner at work? And how can you start applying this mindset to your career today?
Let’s break it down:
What Is an Intrapreneur?
An intrapreneur is an employee who thinks and acts like an entrepreneur within the company. They take ownership of their projects, proactively solve problems, and drive innovation, all while aligning with the company’s goals. They view challenges as opportunities and are constantly looking for ways to improve processes, products, services and enhance the company’s brand and reputation.
In fact, research from Gallup shows that employees who take initiative and act with an ownership mindset are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with their company. Companies crave intrapreneurs because they not only contribute to day-to-day operations—they push the business forward.
Identifying and Solving Company Problems Proactively
Intrapreneurs are solution-oriented and have a knack for identifying problems before they become roadblocks. Instead of waiting for someone else to address issues, intrapreneurs take the initiative to find creative solutions. According to a report from McKinsey, companies that encourage employees to take ownership and solve problems have seen a 30% increase in overall productivity.
Being proactive also means thinking ahead or “seeing around corners” as I like to call it. By anticipating challenges or inefficiencies within your department or team, you’re positioning yourself as someone who can be relied upon to improve, innovate, and challenge conventional thinking even when it’s not directly in your job description.
Taking Initiative Beyond Your Job Description
One of the hallmarks of an intrapreneurial mindset is the willingness to go above and beyond your job description. Intrapreneurs don’t just wait for instructions—they take the initiative to lead projects, offer solutions, and find ways to contribute outside their core responsibilities.
As entrepreneur Richard Branson once said, “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” To capitalize on these opportunities, you need to be ready to jump in when you see the potential for growth or improvement.
Whether it’s leading a new project, suggesting a process improvement, or volunteering for a cross-functional team, taking on these extra responsibilities can dramatically increase your visibility, build your personal brand, and accelerate your career trajectory.
Communicating Innovative Ideas with Impact
Innovative ideas are only powerful when they are communicated clearly and effectively. Intrapreneurs excel at presenting their ideas in a way that resonates with both peers and leaders. To do this, focus on presenting solutions, not just problems.
When proposing a new idea, back it up with data and a clear plan for execution. Share how your idea aligns with the company’s overall goals and be prepared to handle any potential objections. The ability to communicate innovation to the three brains—the head (logic), heart (emotion), and gut (intuition)—is what separates great intrapreneurs from the rest.
As Steve Jobs once said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” But to change the world within your company, you need to be able to sell your ideas, overcome the naysayers, and gain the buy-in of key stakeholders.
An Ownership Mindset Can Make You Indispensable
When you think like an owner, you begin to see your job as more than just a series of tasks—you see it as a partnership with the company’s success. This mindset shift leads to higher performance, greater engagement, more innovative thinking, and a deeper sense of commitment to the company’s mission.
Leaders notice employees who approach their work with this level of dedication and initiative. In fact, a survey by Deloitte revealed that 88% of executives believe that employees who take ownership of their work and business outcomes are more likely to succeed in the workplace.
Intrapreneurs are indispensable to the long-term growth of any company because they constantly drive improvement and are always looking for ways to add value. When you think like an owner, you’re not just working for a paycheque—you’re working to make the company better.
Steps Toward Becoming an Intrapreneur
Here are some ideas to step up your game:
- Identify Problems and Solutions: Start paying attention to any inefficiencies or challenges in your workplace or company. Think about how you can improve them. Don’t just highlight problems—propose practical solutions.
- Go Beyond Your Job Description: Look for ways to contribute outside of your defined role. Volunteer for new projects, offer to help colleagues, and suggest improvements to processes.
- Communicate Your Ideas Effectively: Practice presenting your ideas in a clear, concise manner. Back them up with data and explain how they align with company goals and your “why.”
- Own Your Impact: Begin viewing your work as part of a bigger picture. Think about how your contributions impact the company’s success, and approach your tasks with a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Thinking like an owner doesn’t mean you have to start your own business—it means you need to show up (best done in person) and treat your current role as if the company’s success depends on you. By becoming an intrapreneur, you’ll stand out as someone who is proactive, innovative, and dedicated to the long-term success of your organization.
I have often heard the following from my clients: “Employees who think like owners become the next generation of leaders in our company.” Could that be you?
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