The 4 roles in entrepreneurship: how to recognise the specialist thinking style
The majority (80% source: Small Biz Genius) of all business owners are self-employed. That number is expected to increase in the future. Solopreneurs often do business using their expertise, earn money with their craftsmanship. They can excel at something specific, that large companies often need. It is not uncommon for these single professionals to have a specialist thinking style. But what exactly does that mean?
Table of contents
Entrepreneurial thinking style
A thinking style says something about the way you think and act. Consequently, it says something about your behavior. In other words, the glasses with which you view the world. Hence, it says something about how you do business.
There are four entrepreneurial thinking styles, and an entrepreneur needs all 4 of them in his company. Depending on the stage of the company, a particular thinking style is preferred.
The declining phase of the company mainly benefits from the thinking style of the specialist. For example, if problems arise due to declining sales or changing customer needs, the specialist is already analyzing the root cause of the problem. The other thinking styles are pioneer, salesman, and manager. They mainly prove their service in the earlier stages of a company.
The business process
Where the pioneer thinking style comes into play at the start-up of the company, you see the specialist thinking style revive at the stage where the company is in trouble. Or even worse, threatens to slip towards bankruptcy. See also the previous blogs about the 4 roles in entrepreneurship.
The specialist thinking style can quickly draw the right conclusion through his independent and analytical view of things. For example, scientists and advisors often have this thinking style. It is about the specialist knowing exactly what is going on, or where the shoe pinches. Especially in the phase where the choices from the past no longer work, the specialist thinking style proves worth. Not hindered by personal preferences, the specialist identifies the real problem.
Recognize the specialist thinking style
The specialist is well aware of all developments in his field. He knows all the “ins” and “outs” of his profession. Also, he is analytical and can take in lots of information. In doing so, he forms an image of events from his experience and professional knowledge, which leads to independent and rational judgment. He always knows how to serve the best alternatives. He is often critical and must first be convinced that something works before he trusts it.
Below you will find some typical features of the specialist thinking style. Okay, a bit firmly put:
- well informed about developments in his field;
- thinks and reasons logically;
- can process and analyze lots of information;
- is often critical and leaning towards perfectionism;
- his main motivation is getting confirmation.
Why is it important to recognize your own thinking style and that of others? You are the way you are, is it not? In entrepreneurship, you quickly work together with others. If you don’t hire someone soon, you will have to deal with suppliers, fellow entrepreneurs who want to work with you, and, of course – preferably – with customers. Whoever it is, every person has a particular combination of thinking styles. If you handle this properly and smartly, it will ultimately give you more pleasure and turnover. If you do not have this thinking style, make sure you have it in your network.
Craftsmanship is not yet entrepreneurship
Dr. Martijn Driessen
Read more about the difference between skills, abilities, knowledge, and competencies.