Are Entrepreneurs Born or Bred

THE MOGUL MINDSET
Are Entrepreneurs Born or Bred?

The world of entrepreneurship is often seen as a high-stakes game, where risk and reward dance hand in hand.

But what personality traits truly define an entrepreneur?

Is an entrepreneur born with the characteristics of a specific personality type, or is being an entrepreneur a learned set of skills and behaviors that can be cultivated through experiences?

Recently, I came across an interesting test that determines personality types. 

According to 16personalities.com, a platform exploring various personality types, entrepreneurs predominantly fall into the ESTP-A or ESTP-T personality type. 

The Entrepreneur, as they are aptly named, emerges as the likeliest personality to embrace a lifestyle characterized by behaviors that many successful entrepreneurs have in common.

· BOLDNESS - Pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules to create new opportunities and discovering new ideas gives ESTP’s great joy. They are not afraid to try new things. 

· ORIGINALITY - ESTP’s see things differently. They put their minds to work, coming up with ideas and solutions that most others may not think of.

· PERSPECTIVE - ESTP’s understand that when things change, they may need to shift as well. They have an innate ability to detect when to pivot and when to stay the course. 

· SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES - ESTP’s never meet a stranger. They are engaging and charming. Networking comes naturally to them. At social events, you’ll know who they are; they’re usually the ones working the room.

· RISK-TAKERS - ESTP’s relish putting their skills to the test, often in rather risky or dangerous situations. In business, they act first and reflect later. They fix mistakes as they go, rather than sitting idly, waiting for opportunities and situations to be perfect.

However, an entrepreneur is a person who creates a business by pinpointing a problem and creating a solution that people will pay for, regardless of personality type.

Entrepreneurship is a vast landscape filled with individuals of diverse backgrounds, skills, and, importantly, varied personalities.

While certain traits might be more commonly associated with entrepreneurs, the reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all mold for this dynamic group of world changers. 

Understanding your own strengths is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurial success.

Whether you naturally embody the characteristics of a risk-taking executor or a methodical planner, recognizing what makes you stand out is the first step.

It's not about fitting into a prescribed entrepreneurial persona but rather acknowledging and amplifying your own unique qualities.

For example, the Advocate personality types are quiet visionaries. They are creative, open-minded, and can see the big picture.

The entrepreneurial world needs these idealists, who seek purpose and meaning in their life’s work. 

The Protagonist personality types feel called to serve a greater purpose in life and strive to have a positive impact on the people and world around them.

Few things bring Protagonists a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment than guiding friends and loved ones to grow into their best selves.

In reality, entrepreneurs are a diverse group, and while some may naturally possess the ESTP traits, others acquire them through experiences and challenges.

The key lies in problem-solving – identifying an issue and crafting a solution.

This is a task any personality type can undertake.

Successful entrepreneurs understand the power of assembling a team that complements their strengths and compensates for their areas of improvement.

If one excels in creativity and big-picture thinking, they may benefit from partnering with someone with strong organizational and analytical skills.

The diversity within a team allows for a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The true essence of entrepreneurship lies in problem-solving, passion, and the ability to surround oneself with a team that fills the gaps in one's own strengths.

The personality type of an entrepreneur is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.

While certain traits may be more common among entrepreneurs, the diversity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem suggests that both born and bred entrepreneurs are needed in our ever-evolving world.