From Ideas to Impact: Becoming a True Intrapreneur
Have you ever had an idea at work that you thought could make a difference? Is that enough to make you an intrapreneur?
Just as cooking well at home doesn't make you a chef, having an idea without execution won't make you an intrapreneur. For example, think of someone who loves cooking and makes great meals at home. Until they decide to open a restaurant, create a menu, and serve customers, they are just a great home cook, not a professional chef. Similarly, an idea at work remains just a thought unless you actively work to bring it to life.
Having an idea isn’t enough. Execution is what defines you: otherwise, you're just a dreamer. Intrapreneurship isn’t just about the 'aha!' moment—it's about taking an idea and seeing it through.
True intrapreneurship happens when you're both the dreamer and the doer. Gifford Pinchot III, who coined the term in the late 1970s puts it well:
[Intrapreneurs are] the dreamers who do. - Gifford Pinchot III
There’s as much importance, if not more, in following through, preparing and priming the idea into a concept, and then into a product.
He also has created a rather insightful and concise “rulebook”, or the Ten Commandments.
Notice how they focus so much on characteristics that go beyond “be creative and give ideas”? Sure, an idea can and is the beginning of it all, but there’s more to it!
Intrapreneurs must navigate corporate challenges while staying committed, adapting, and persevering to bring meaningful change.
But he also doesn't put the “responsibility” of following through entirely on the intrapreneur...
If intrapreneurship is the corporations' entrepreneurship, then companies also need to address this: they need to set up the space (and pace) by providing the right resources, time, and a supportive culture. This means giving intrapreneurs the freedom to experiment, fail, and learn without fear, and ensuring they have the tools and support needed to bring ideas to life. They need to give more opportunities than just hearing the “idea” and not allowing the person who gave it to be part of the process.
Dos and Don'ts of Intrapreneurship
Whether you're new to intrapreneurship or have experience, understanding these Dos and Don'ts is crucial. They highlight the mindset and actions needed to turn ideas into impactful outcomes, ensuring you're not just a dreamer but an active participant in innovation.
Do: Be There for the Whole Process
It’s not enough to come up with an idea and walk away. Real intrapreneurs get involved in execution to ensure the vision stays true.
Example: If you suggest automating a workflow, volunteer to help design the automation process.
Don’t: Expect Others to Understand Your Vision Without Your Involvement
Leaving others to develop your idea often means they won’t fully capture your vision. If you’re not there to steer the ship, don’t be surprised if the result isn’t what you imagined.
Example: If you pitch a new customer feature but step back afterward, the result might miss the mark.
Do: Iterate, Refine, and Adapt Along the Way
Ideas evolve. Be flexible, adapt to challenges, refine your solution, and be open to feedback.
Example: During development, you might discover constraints that require changes. Be ready to find an alternative approach.
Don’t: Be Precious About Your Idea
Innovation is collaborative, and being too rigid can stall progress. Stay committed but be willing to adjust based on real-world demands.
Example: If user testing reveals issues, adjust your design—even if it means changing a part you loved.
Do: Collaborate with the Right People
Intrapreneurship thrives on teamwork. Build cross-functional teams and find people who complement your skills and are passionate about the project. Collaboration with diverse skill sets can lead to more innovative solutions.
Example: If your idea involves data analysis, work with data scientists and UX designers to ensure both functionality and user experience.
Don’t: Isolate Yourself in the Process
You can’t do everything alone. Intrapreneurship flourishes in collaborative environments, where diverse input sharpens the outcome.
Example: If you try to develop a new process alone, you might overlook how it impacts other teams. Bring in stakeholders early.
Do: Take Ownership of the Outcome
Be accountable for both successes and failures. Intrapreneurship means being invested in the outcome, good or bad.
Example: If the project faces delays, work with your team to identify the issue and find a solution.
Don’t: Walk Away When the Going Gets Tough
Challenges will come. True intrapreneurs push through, finding creative solutions to make it work.
Example: If budget cuts threaten your project, look for ways to scale back features while still delivering value.
Why Execution Matters
Intrapreneurship isn’t about handing off responsibility and hoping for the best. It’s about being actively involved from start to finish, working with the team to ensure success. Seeing your idea come to life is far more satisfying than just thinking it up.
Remember, ideas are plentiful, but true intrapreneurship is about transforming ideas into actionable, valuable solutions. It’s about being there from start to finish and sticking with it even when things get difficult - from navigating difficult power maps (I’ll explain this next week) to handling budget requests, pitches or eventually difficult scaling in the desired solution.
Think About This: Have you ever had an idea that you didn't finish? Maybe it was a new project or a creative solution at work. How did it make you feel to leave it unfinished? Would you do things differently if you had the chance to try again?
Until next time, remember: You don’t just want the idea—you want to make it real!
Take the next step today and join us for our free session on 'Finding the Right Problem'—let's turn your ideas into impactful solutions together!
Join Our Free Intrapreneurship Session!
We’re hosting an upcoming session on intrapreneurship focused on "Finding the Right Problem."
This session is part of our 'Innovate & Change' series, where we'll guide you through the journey from concept to product: covering everything from problem-solving to idea generation to pitching. We'd love to have you join us as we dive into the process of bringing ideas to life.
