Building an Entrepreneurial Culture

As believers we need to know that God is the one who anoints us for business. We need to known that the anointing is not limited to so-called “spiritual” things but that God is our source of true creativity. The following verses highlight this principle.

I. What is the aptitude of an effective entrepreneur?

A. Calculated risk-taking

B. Innovation and Creativity

C. Achievement orientation

D. Determination

II. Why is there a shortage of entrepreneurs?

A. We live in a risk-averse culture.

B. We have an education system (including parents), has undermined creativity.

C. We give up too easily.

D. We do not have enough role models in specific trades.

E. We have made climbing the corporate ladder our main focus.

F. We are more accustomed to mediocrity than achieving greatness.

G. We have succumbed to peer pressure.

H. We are unclear about the correct time to embark on a project.

III. What are the marks of a God-honouring entrepreneur?

A. They are of noble character and fear the Lord (Prov. 31:10,30).

B. They are diligent (Prov 31:13, 15, 27).

C. They maintain focus on their family (Prov. 31:15,27).

D. They take calculated risks (Prov. 31:16).

E. They are generous to their workers (Prov. 31:15).

F. They run profitable businesses (Prov. 31:18).

G. They are not clock-watchers, but are result-oriented (Prov. 31:18).

H. They give to the poor (Prov. 31:20).

I. They see ahead and plan (Prov. 31:20).

J. They are dignified (Prov. 31:22,25).

K. They have a positive impact on their spouse and children (Prov. 31:23, 28).

L. They keep a guard over their mouths by their choice of words (Prov. 31:26).

M. They maintain good customer service (Prov. 31:24).

N. They have a good reputation (Prov. 31:31).

IV. What are the two psychological contracts?

A. The Patriachal Contract

1. The patriarchal contract

2. Myopic self-interest

3. Manipulative tactics

4. Dependency

B. The Entrepreneurial Contract.

1. The entrepreneurial contract

2. Enlightened self-interest

3. Authentic tactics

4. Autonomy

V. What are some qualities of creative people?

A. They are independent thinkers.

B. They are inquisitive.

C. They are iconoclastic.

D. They are confident.

E. They are determined.

F. They are learners.

G. They are intuitive.

H. They are open-minded.

VI. What are some keys in fostering an entrepreneurial Culture?

A. Remove excessive red-tape

B. Don’t over-centralise.

C. Don’t micro-manage.

D. Take risks with your people.

E. Don’t be a control freak.

F. Leave room for improvisation and surprises.

G. Create an environment that fosters new product development.

H. Draw out the diversity of your team.

I. See mistakes as learning opportunities.