Supporting intrapreneurs within your team can create a pathway for empowerment, innovation, and growth. Ever feel that as your team leaders step up, attorneys may feel isolated? You might wonder, “What if they don’t need me anymore?”
In our recent Team Empowerment call, we discussed the concept of an intrapreneur: a team member who may not own a stake in the business but acts with an owner’s mindset. Intrapreneurs go beyond employee mentality, engaging in big-picture discussions about ROI, capacity, and profit margins. (Stay tuned for future posts exploring how to transition into an intrapreneur.)
The Journey of Supporting Intrapreneurs
Sometimes, stepping into intrapreneurship—a space of empowerment and leadership—can feel isolating. As team members embrace a bigger vision, they may no longer feel like a “fit” within the group. Team members begin seeing this person as “the boss,” subtly shifting conversations and inclusion. Although respect remains, the sense of peer camaraderie may change. For attorneys, the impact of an intrapreneur can be twofold: fewer “got-a-minute” requests, as the intrapreneur proactively manages tasks, and a potential feeling of being less essential.
Lessons from Supporting Intrapreneurs
Entrepreneurs know the feeling of being misunderstood. Steve Jobs once remarked that entrepreneurs must be willing to be misunderstood for extended periods—a truth that resonates with intrapreneurs, who often lack access to resources and support typically reserved for business owners.
3 Key Ways to Supporting Intrapreneurs
- Set Regular Check-ins
Schedule weekly meetings to discuss goals, challenges, and strategic issues. Keeping communication open reinforces their role in the bigger picture and helps intrapreneurs feel connected. - Establish Measurable Goals
Use specific, measurable goals to create clarity and track progress. Regularly review these metrics to adjust strategies. For example, if your intrapreneur’s goal is to attract 30 people to a monthly workshop, and results show a lack of engagement from one advertising channel, adjust your approach rather than placing blame. Measurement fosters accountability and allows intrapreneurs to contribute solutions. - Provide a Peer Forum
Creating a network for your intrapreneur with like-minded colleagues offers support, ideas, and inspiration. Successful entrepreneurs often have networks or coaching groups; providing similar resources enables your intrapreneurs to flourish within a supportive community.
For more insights on building a resilient, motivated team, check out our free resources at fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/ to enhance your team’s success.
