In the last blog, I introduced you to the vibrant world of Cultural Cowboys – those remarkable individuals who infuse our business environment with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. Now, let me take you on a deeper dive into the realm of Serially Successful Intrapreneurs (SSI’s), a group of leaders I hold dear for their role in driving innovation and growth within any organization. These individuals, including myself, possess a rich blend of skills and attitudes, leveraging our expertise to pioneer new ventures and reshape existing paradigms.

Unraveling the Key Traits of SSI’s

At the heart of every SSI lies an insatiable hunger for growth and learning. We thrive on challenges and are fueled by a spirit of curiosity and exploration. However, it's important to acknowledge that SSI’s, like myself, harbor a distinct "free agent" mindset. We value personalized development opportunities and shy away from cookie-cutter approaches. To truly nurture and retain us, it's imperative to tailor development strategies that resonate with our individual aspirations and ambitions.

1) Cultivating Wisdom Through Dolphin Tank Assignments

One approach I've found particularly effective in nurturing SSI’s is through Dolphin Tank™ assignments. Unlike the intimidating aura of traditional "shark tank" scenarios, Dolphin Tanks provide a supportive space for individuals to receive constructive feedback on their ideas. By challenging us with progressively complex tasks and offering guidance along the way, we're empowered to cultivate wisdom and resilience in the face of adversity.

2) Fostering Growth Across Functional Boundaries

Breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional collaboration is essential for SSI’s like myself to thrive. Pairing us with mentors from diverse functional areas and exposing us to external markets and partners broadens our horizons and deepens our understanding of the business landscape. Additionally, involving us in cross-functional projects encourages holistic thinking and fosters innovative solutions that transcend departmental boundaries.

3) Balancing Human Insight with Data Analytics

In today's data-driven landscape, SSI’s must strike a delicate balance between human insight and analytical prowess. While data tools offer invaluable insights, they must be complemented by our innate intelligence to make informed decisions. We must learn to harness the power of data analytics while also recognizing its limitations and understanding its real-world implications.

4) Empowering Leadership and Embracing Risk

Empowering SSI’s like myself to lead new ventures is pivotal in unlocking our full potential. By involving us in leadership roles and exposing us to high-pressure environments, organizations cultivate our resilience and adaptability. Encouraging us to embrace risk and ambiguity fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the organization.

5) Championing SSI Innovations

Lastly, it's imperative to champion and implement the innovative ideas proposed by SSI’s. By harnessing our creative pragmatism, organizations can drive meaningful change and create new pathways for growth. However, it's not enough to simply entertain these ideas – organizations must actively support us in shepherding our innovations from conception to fruition, utilizing a proven methodology tailored to our unique talents and challenges.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our journey as Serially Successful Intrapreneurs, our focus will shift towards strategies for retaining and maximizing our value within the organization. Stay tuned for insights on fostering a culture of innovation and empowering SSI’s like myself to drive lasting change.

‍