Why Every Leader Needs an Entrepreneurial Edge
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” — John D. Rockefeller
THE QUESTION
Are you managing what exists or building what’s possible?
Leaders often approach their roles with a mindset focused on stability—maintaining what’s already working, reducing risks, and optimizing systems. But actual progress often comes from challenging the status quo—by embracing adaptability, fostering innovation, and building something new.
What would change if you led with the curiosity, resilience, and adaptability of an entrepreneur—even if you’re not building a business?
THE RESEARCH
Entrepreneurial leaders embrace uncertainty and take action amidst ambiguity. Innovation thrives when leaders allow their teams to experiment and see failure as valuable feedback rather than a setback (HBR).
At Uber, experimentation is a key part of the company’s culture. Janelle Sallenave, former Head of Customer Support, shared, “This is a company that is obsessed with what we call experiments. Everybody is encouraged to reimagine how their work could be better, different, cheaper, or faster—whatever it might be.”
This reflects the "fail fast, learn faster" mindset, where trying new things and learning from mistakes leads to smarter decisions and continuous growth. Entrepreneurial leaders not only foster this approach but also aim to be well-rounded—understanding areas like finance, operations, and team dynamics—while focusing on their "zone of genius" to maximize impact. By stepping back and empowering their teams, they create a space where bold ideas can grow, leading to creative solutions and lasting success.
SOME ADVICE
Leading with an entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t mean taking reckless risks. It means cultivating habits of curiosity, experimentation, and adaptability.
Think about the last time something in your team didn’t go as planned. Did you treat it as a failure to be avoided in the future—or a learning opportunity to be embraced?
Entrepreneurial leaders ask themselves:
It’s about testing, iterating, and creating pathways for progress rather than waiting for the perfect plan.
YOUR HACK
Here are some practical ways to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset in your leadership:
1. Take the Leap in Small Ways
Stop waiting for every detail to be perfect. Instead, focus on "minimum viable actions." These are small, deliberate steps that allow you to test ideas quickly and get immediate feedback. Whether it’s a new team initiative or a fresh approach to meetings, start small and adjust.
2. Reframe Failure as Data
Instead of viewing setbacks as signs of incompetence, see them as data points. Ask:
What worked?
What didn’t?
What did we learn?
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Use these insights to pivot and improve rather than retreat. Remember, adaptability is a skill—not a gift.
3. Identify Your Zone of Genius
What parts of your role energize you the most? These are clues to your zone of genius. Spend more time leading from this place, and delegate tasks that drain you. This is how you create sustainable growth and avoid burnout—both for yourself and your team.
4. Encourage Team Ownership
Just as entrepreneurs build teams that complement their strengths, leaders can empower team members to own projects and decisions. This not only builds trust but also multiplies your team’s collective potential.
PARTING THOUGHTS
Leading with an entrepreneurial mindset isn’t about abandoning structure—it’s about rethinking what’s possible and leading with curiosity, action, and courage.
When you approach leadership like an entrepreneur, you create a culture of innovation and resilience. You become the kind of leader who not only responds to change but drives it.
So, ask yourself:
What’s one “small leap” you can take this week to lead with intention and adaptability?
You don’t need the whole path mapped out—just a willingness to take the next step.
Lead like a builder. Because leadership, like entrepreneurship, is about creating something that didn’t exist before.
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Sincerely,
The Unicorn Labs Team
(P.S. We have a podcast! Check out our conversations with fellow leaders on Apple Podcasts & Spotify)
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!