Why do some believe they have to own the company to make a difference, gain greater profit, reduce risk and lower cost? Foolish thinking indeed, and not a thought shared by all. There’s this new group emerging within the talent market that I refer to as the “Intrepreneur”… the internal Entrepreneur. In every way an entrepreneur except they work for someone other than themselves.

Ambitious, highly intelligent, trustworthy, dedicated to revenue, profit, highly satisfied clients, and unlimited growth and opportunity. They are your new *must-have* employees… so how do you spot them? How do you attract them? How do you retain them?

Spotting the Intrepreneur…

• They know that everyone works for sales
• No expense goes without question of value… profit means something to them
• They don’t see the difference between their money and your money when it comes to budget and expenses. They are frugal yet clever with costs.
• No matter their role or direct impact, they fully understand revenue and profit and with everything they do positively impact both.
• They work to solve today’s problems, while always looking for the next big opportunity
• They fully understand strategy and forward thinking… always ahead of the competition
• Although knowing they’re not experts in everything, are willing to play any role to move the company forward: marketing, talent management, sales, delivery
• They know the only thing worth working for is a happy and much satisfied customer. Without them they wouldn’t be working.
• They work well in teams and/or fully independent
• They have likely played several roles, consulted, ran a business or two and have a diverse background
• They have an unrelenting need to contribute

Attracting the Intrepreneur…

• Autonomy, authority and creative freedom are their sweet spots… but giving them any two of these will suffice
• Offer them roles yet to be fully defined… make it their job to define (you’ll be surprised how much they take on and are successful with!)
• Although great pay is customary, flexibility is required… they are entrepreneurs at heart
• Expect greatness, they want you to
• Express your need to have them always creating, changing, moving forward and leading those around them
• Have them meet the other intrepreneurs

Retaining the Intrepreneur…

• Have them fix or create something; once that’s completed move them to the next undefined need
• Keep them informed and *in-the-loop*. They don’t mind change as long as they know what’s coming. They embrace constant change.
• Consult with them; have them consult with others
• Motivation isn’t just more money (although they do understand that’s why they work)… it’s recognition and thanks. Appreciation goes a long way.
• Maintain that flexibility. Nothing encourages their creativity more than undefined space and direction. It doesn’t mean little communication or collaboration… they can embrace all styles of team work… focus on flexible and what that means to them. Everything will be easy
• Direction should come to them as either a problem without a defined solution (their job to define) or as an end state with the *how-to-get-there* to be defined by them.
• Show your support for them

Intrepreneurs are coveted employees. Failure to recognize them will open your competition to fill in that gap. Not looking for or hiring them will create a need for significant staff and management. In essence, you cannot be fully successful without them, and they want to contribute to your success.

Are you an Intrepreneur? Do you work with any?