From failure to success? #success & #startups

Most succesful startup companies have experienced failures. This is nothing new. But what is it that makes the good ones come back again and again? Well, perseverance, courage, dedication and good old-fashioned hard-work are some of the ingredients. And perhaps most of all the ability to learn from their mistakes. 

I have been so fortunate to be involved with some young entrepreneurs - in the best way possible. And this is continuing  to be an inspiration to me. Why, you might ask? Well, because their energy levels are high, their courage enormous and the sheer engagement shines in their eyes. They are passionate people, passionate about their idea and perhaps their future success. And they are not afraid of failing - or if they are, then they overcome it. That is so inspiring to see, because it is such a human trait to be afraid of failing, more than to aim for success. 

Maybe there is a cultural element in entrepreneurship? I have noticed that startups in the States, in Iceland and in China have more guts and just go for it. Many European countries - and not least the Nordic have a more laid-back attitude towards entrepreneurship. Perhaps because we have a different welfare-system that takes care of us if we fail. So we are not as gutsy or a devoted. Of course this is a tough generalization of whole nations, but I do think there is some truth to it.

In Greenland we do not have a startup culture. We have a welfare culture, where the State takes care of us from birth to death, and it so limits us to take the necessary steps to become an entrepreneur. So how to change that. Culture is not something you change overnight. 

My best bid is to start all the way down in the elementary school - to build character, to challenge, to have competition and to focus on the individual and group responsibility. We need good role models, we need young "guns" that are willing to fight, to work hard and to endure. So yes, basically we need to build a capacity to even have young entrepreneurs succeed, since our entire system is not build for that.

Do you have good ideas from your society? From you surroundings?  Please share with me here!

Fear.......#change #fear

Fear of change is a very normal human reaction whether it has to do with your personal life or your professional life. I am also scared of change - especially when it is not myself deciding that things need to change. If it is not my own decision, then I expect the people or the person that needs me to change, to explain WHY og HOW the change should take place. If I do not truly accept the background or reason for change, then I will most likely challenge it. And this is where it gets interesting. Most people do not verbally express that they do not want to change, they may even nod their heads in a seemingly accepting way - but underneath the surface not embracing the change. Only a few percent of the population will stand up and verbally argue against the change, because they do not feel comfortable to share their concerns. They have fear of the consequences. This is especially true for organizations where your job is at stake.

I have become more and more aware of the ability to address change and changing behaviors in the OPEN. To be honest and patient about the need for explanation. The accept that ALL people have different acceptance curves for change, which most leaders know on the intellectual level, but do not internalize on the gut feeling level. Look at John Kotters 8 steps of change. Most people skip a step or two in order to achieve change quicker. My advice is: do not skip any steps. Accept that change is difficult, creates fear in most people and can be easily said, but more difficultly done.

What is your perspective on change?

Life...... #happyliving & #life

What kind of philosophy do you have for your life? Are you even thinking about it?

i think life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get (Forest Gump philosophy). But you can sure influence how you live it - and how you pursue your dreams. If you know your dreams and can visualize what they look like. Research shows that the ability to actually visualize your dreams is a powerful tool - and thus you are more likely to achieve your dreams or goals.  

What are your perspective on life?  

Culture eats strategy for breakfast →

Recently I had the opportunity to talk to business leaders first in Denmark and then in Gibraltar. The topic was change management and how culture influences on the ability to implement strategy in a company. To the best of my knowledge culture in a company is the single most important factor in any transformation process. In my opinion you can not move a company through a huge transformation without both understanding the current culture in the company and the underlying dynamics in the organization. From what I have seen in a lot of other companies most Management does not take this serious enough, which incidentally can explain why a lot of strategies ends up not being implemented. 

I believe in teamwork, I believe in transparency, I believe in empowerment of the individual in an organization. And I sincerely believe a lot can be accomplished if you have an OPEN and DIRECT feedback culture in the company. If it is not there - then create it! Imagine what kind of energy that can be released if every individual have a strong sense of commitment, understanding of direction AND motivation to make a difference. THAT creates a strong culture.

I use simple tools to enhance group dynamics, which I will go into in another blog. It works and it creates engaged colleagues and commitment across organizational boundaries. Interested? Then write to me.

Nothing comes from nothing

How come more leaders do not embrace leadership principles about honesty, open communication and cultural conflicts in the company? Because they are not aware - or because they are scared of the consequences of letting go and trusting their organizations?