Employee Mentality versus Boss Mentality



Posted: Saturday, May 16, 2009

by Feargal Byrne
http://www.lostjobstartbusiness.com/

I have noticed time and time again that when people who have previously been in employment "go out on their own" they seem to still carry with them the same culture as the organization that they have left. They wear the same clothes to work. They have a similar signature on their email. They still behave as if they are working for a multinational.I have noticed time and time again that when people who have previously been in employment "go out on their own" they seem to still carry with them the same culture as the organization that they have left. They wear the same clothes to work. They have a similar signature on their email. They still behave as if they are working for a multinational.

These are the symptoms of the "Employee Mentality". It's important to change this mindset and move into the "Boss Mentality". No, I'm not talking about acting like Bruce Springsteen all the time. I'm talking about projecting confidence and controlling your own destiny. I'm talking about being decisive and accepting failure as the natural process of working out the best way to do things.

An important lesson that I have learned is not to get bogged down in formalities. Formalities and start-up companies do not like each other, they will never get along and there is no point in trying to make them get along. Why is this? you ask.

Well, speed of decision making and flexibility, in other words lack of formalities are competitive advantages for a small new business. Don't deny your new business these tools of success just because the company that you have previously worked for had formal processes and systems for almost everything.

Remember, the only way to find out if something will work or not, is to try it out in the real world. Business in 2009 is different to business in 1999. It's also different to business in 2006. Business in 2010 will probably be different to business in 2009. It's changing and it's changing fast. You have to be super flexible. The businesses that are laying off workers right now, all have outdated business models and cost structures that are no longer viable. They can't adapt.

The single biggest error you can make in starting your business is continuing your "Employee Mentality". You must change this. However, it's not easy. You have been living in that environment for the last number of years. It will take time to change your mindset. You need to acclimatize. However, it's important that you begin to take those incremental steps towards the "Boss Mentality".

Find out more about the transition from employee to entrepreneur.

Now is the time for you to fulfil your potential by starting to drop the "Employee Mentality" and assuming the "Boss Mentality".

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