Are Entrepreneurs Frustrated Creative Types?

Posted by Deborah Chaddock Brown on July 21, 2009 under General | 2 Comments to Read

I know I usually talk about customer service – but bare with me for a moment.  Great customer service comes from a culture focused on customers led by leaders who understand that the customer is what drives business.  So let’s look at the leader for a moment.

I found it interesting that two blogs I follow both had lists outlining specific types of people this week.  John Jantsch, Duct Tape Marketing writes about the 7 Uncommon Traits of Entrepreneurs while Dean Rieck over at Copyblogger writes about 11 traits of the Creative Person.

Often we think of the creative person being behind the scenes – glued to their computer writing, designing or developing the next great slice of bread.  While entrepreneurs are out in front, thinking at 40,000 feet, dealing with venture capitalists.  See what you think:

Entrepreneur                                   Creative

Curious                                               Expressive and playful

Risk averse                                        Motivated by risk

Planner                                               Find order and solutions

Trusting                                             Intuitive

Non-judgemental                          Challenging assumptions

Spatial                                               Pushing the envelope

Pragmatic                                        Test and make connection

Dean added “courageous” to the list for creative individuals, but I’m sure John would agree that entrepreneurs are also courageous; to go out on their own, try the untested.

I don’t know if there is really a connection, but I thought it was interesting.  In the corporate world when Myers Briggs tests are given (at least when I experienced the tests), those who were analytical, big thinker, risk takers and scored low on the feeling part of their brain were touted as the born leaders.  Those of us with a little creative bent were seen as support members of the team.  We were given the “touchy feely” part of operations. 

These two lists indicate to me that creative types have similar qualities of entrepreneurs.  And when you think ”entrepreneur” don’t you think leader?  Or am I all washed up?

I believe that a true leader has the qualities John talks about - sees things from a variety of angles, organized, understands the break even point and its importance in success, but also has the ability to understand their customer, imaginatively find solutions to their problems and express their ideas visually and with words.

So were you surprised by the connections between the two types of individuals or was it a “duh” for you?

When you think leader – do you think creative type?