
Last version published: 21/04/2020 14:29
Publication number: ELQ-57090-3
View all versions & Certificate

How to Master the Art of Leading
Created in collaboration with Bill Meade, this post aims to advise internal entrepreneurs on leadership.
Introduction
The Art of Leading
Some aspiring entrepreneurs are already working for a big company. Like external entrepreneurs, they dream of creating innovative products. They, too, must prototype, position, pitch, bootstrap, recruit, fund, partner, sell, and support. The purpose of this minichapter is to explain how to do all this when you’re employed by a large business.
Ironically, many entrepreneurs envy the employees of major companies—they think that these lucky souls have humongous financial resources, large sales forces, fully equipped labs, scalable factories, and established brands, plus medical and dental benefits, at their disposal. How wonderful it would be, guys and gals in garages muse, to invent a new product with the luxury of such an infrastructure already in place.
Guess again. Creating a new product within such a beast is not easier, just different. I collaborated on this post with Bill Meade, director of data science at Neal Analytics. We came up with this list of recommendations for internal entrepreneurs.
- Step n°1 |
Put the company first.
The intrapreneur’s primary, if not sole, motivation should remain the betterment of the company that employs her. Intrapreneurship isn’t about grabbing attention, building an empire, or setting up a way to catapult out of the company. When you have a good idea for a product, it will attract a large number of your fellow employees, from the bottom up. They will support you if you’re doing it for the company, but not if it’s for your personal gain.
- Step n°2 |
Kill the cash cows.
Don’t make enemies by telling the whole company, but your charter is often to create a product that will kill an existing product. For example, Macintosh killed Apple II. Would it have been better for Apple if a competitor had created Macintosh? Or that it never created a Macintosh and rode it to the end of the line? No way.
- Step n°3 |
Stay under the radar.
Two guys in a garage should try to get as much attention as they can. Awareness of their efforts makes it easier to raise money, establish partnerships, close sales, and recruit employees. However, the opposite is true for intrapreneurs. You want management to leave you alone until your project is too far along to ignore or the rest of the company realizes that it’s needed.
- Step n°4 |
Find a godfather.
In many companies there are godfather figures. These are people who have paid their dues and are safe from everyday petty politics. They are relatively untouchable and have the attention and respect of top management. Internal entrepreneurs should find a godfather to support their projects by providing advice, technical and marketing insights, and, if it comes to the point where you need it, protection.
Reviews
Write a review
People using this Best Practice also downloaded
More Best Practices from Guy Kawasaki
Startup Financial Forecasting Excel Template
This tool will help you craft the financial forecast that will be a part of your pitch.2,817Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Master the Pitch
Here is listed the characteristics of what makes a good pitch.80Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Pitch with Only 10 Slides
Teaching how to use the 10/20/30 PowerPoint method. 10 slides, 20 minutes, min. font size 30.299Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Create an Enchanting Business Plan
Here is some advice on writing a great business plan at high level.631Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Create an Enchanting Pitch
This is to help you make great Pitches with PowerPoint for your business.368Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Pick Your Startup Advisors
Some advice on picking advisers for your startup journey.57Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to be a Demo God
This post has been created for anyone who needs to make a 10/10 demo. It's a skill you really need to get good at!58Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Get the Attention of a Venture Capitalist
This is some advice on how to grab a VC's attention.57Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Enchant your Customer
10 ways SMEs can charm their customers.69Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Rock the First 90 Days of a Job
This post will give you advice on what to avoid doing, and what do try and achieve.64Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Master the Executive Summary
A guide by Guy Kawasaki with tips on how to master the art of the executive summary.131Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
How to Intern like a Rock Star
Learn how to make the most of your internships and impress your employer.19Discussadd_shopping_cartfreeby Guy Kawasaki
Any questions on How To Master The Art Of Leading?
The user community and author are here to help. Go ahead!