Status Quo—The Current State, How Things Are Presently
An entrepreneurial mindset is one that challenges the status quo rather than accepting it. Going along with how things have always been done does not foster success in business; instead, it impedes growth and produces mediocrity. Doing things the way everyone else does won’t produce innovation, nor will it disrupt the marketplace by introducing something new. Entrepreneurs have a propensity towards being unconventional because it is a thrill to do something that is out-of-the-box. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” I couldn’t agree more. Let your intelligence out to play!
Escaping the status quo of the workplace is often a driving force for aspiring entrepreneurs to leave and start their own businesses. Entrepreneurs who are displaced in a work environment have a difficult time just going along with things and fitting into the mundane environment. Doing things according to the status quo is contrary to what the entrepreneurial journey is all about. Entrepreneurs embrace newness and fresh ideas that inspire them. In fact, they thrive on them. Therefore, entrepreneurship is a better fit for who they are as people. Some innovative companies have learned to embrace employees with an enterprising spirit and foster it. These individuals are commonly referred to as intrapreneurs. However, these types of companies are rare outside of places like Silicon Valley.
The status quo stifles the very creativity that entrepreneurs need to imagine, invent, produce new ideas, products or services, and to stay inspired. When companies excel at something, it is often because they have forsaken the status quo. Airbnb, Uber, and Tesla, all go against the grain and have achieved great success as a result. Airbnb challenged the norms set by the hotel industry, which had previously monopolized the short-term accommodations industry. Uber disrupted the taxi industry by using a similar model to Airbnb, and both operate technology-driven business models, except Uber is in the transportation industry. Uber has successfully taken away a large market share from the market once dominated by regular taxis. Tesla released the first self-driving car into the marketplace, a superior driving experience to all other cars on the market.
Doing what most people do will get you what most people get—a traditional 9-to-5 job. This type of normalcy won’t help you succeed in running a business, which is why it is vital that you have a paradigm shift in your thinking. This is not to downplay those who choose the workplace as their career path as if it’s inferior to do so, but this is about understanding what is necessary to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and how to do it. If you prefer to color within the lines, are uncomfortable rocking the boat, or are afraid to break the rules, then entrepreneurship is likely not for you.
If you have been living a conventional life, then it’s time to start taking steps toward the edge of your comfort zone and, ultimately, making a life outside of it. For some people, going to dinner or a movie alone is a big step towards leaving their comfort zones. I’m not suggesting that you start bungee jumping or skydiving, but just try something that you’ve never tried before to broaden your horizons and increase your exposure to new things. Perhaps trying a new dish in a different restaurant in a different part of town will be a good start.
I am an admirer of Sir Richard Branson, the business mogul behind Virgin Airlines, Virgin Records, Virgin Mobile, and more. I have a tremendous amount of respect not only for the conglomerate he has built but also for how he takes on life. Online, I’ve seen photos of him kite surfing and have read about his attempts to make the 7,000 mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean. (Business Insider)
I think there is a connection between being adventurous and being out-of-the-box. My best adventure was traveling to five cities in South Africa, Namibia, and Canada in three weeks, complete with yachting, eating ostrich for the first time, and dancing to tribal African music in front of an audience! This is my way of not only enjoying life but also resisting the mundane. Resisting the mundane helps me to stay fresh and innovative. Too many dull moments in life will make you dull too.
As I reflect on my years in Corporate America, I wonder what my superiors were thinking when I would question the way things were done. I challenged inefficient processes and suggested improvements, but it seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. The company culture was set to embrace the status quo. It’s frustrating for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit to just go along with things simply because that’s just the way it is. That was one of the first signs that I was not cut out to be an employee for the rest of my career.
I recall telling my manager at that same company during a performance review session that she was underutilizing the talent in our department. I alluded to the differences between managing and leading. Some nerve I had! My intention was not to be disrespectful, but I saw some things that either she didn’t see or didn’t care enough to do anything about it. The company had been in existence since 1868 and had a certain way of doing things, and I didn’t see any major changes happening anytime soon.
During my corporate career, I would get bored very easily when the work was not challenging or when I felt I wasn’t growing professionally. I was a quick learner, and once I had mastered a job I was ready to move on to the next best thing. If there were no opportunities to advance in sight, then I’d jump ship. I felt like I wasn’t able to contribute as much as I wanted to and the work was just repetitious. The companies that I worked for didn’t have much to offer me either, especially in terms of opportunities to develop further in my career. Most of the entrepreneurs that I’ve met or coached wouldn’t have turned out to be good employees in the long run. I found some fulfillment by “job hopping” from one Fortune 500 company to the next, but it wasn’t until I found my purpose that I was able to fulfill it within the context of my own business on my own terms. Entrepreneurship was calling my name.
Are you stuck in a mundane life or career? It may be time to shake things up a bit. Just as companies tolerate the status quo for too long, so can leaders—both personally and professionally. Find what you are passionate about and go do it. It will help you break out of monotony. You can’t produce anything extraordinary just by existing in sameness.
I was once onsite at a client’s office and one of the managers took me on a tour of the office building. The best way I can describe it is as a playground for adults. It was such a cool concept, and the place was obviously intentionally designed to facilitate change, creativity, and innovation. It was colorful with open spaces with different shapes and odd angles. The design seemed to be conducive for employees to explore new ideas and bring them to life. By its very appearance there was no room to maintain the status quo there.
COMPANY EXAMPLE: Spring Hill Entertainment (LeBron James)
James is an athlete, philanthropist, activist, businessman, and a brand, all-in-one. Why settle for one career path when you can use all of your gifts to create many? James has entered the fashion industry with the design of his signature Nike shoe, made cameo appearances as an actor in several movies and commercials, invested in many businesses, including Apple’s acquisition of Beats Electronics, produced documentaries and web and TV series as a co-owner of Spring Hill Entertainment, founded I Promise School, and much more. He is the epitome of a serial entrepreneur who has defied the status quo by using his brands to promote good and to draw attention to social issues that are often controversial. Athletes are typically shunned for challenging the status quo because it is contrary to what the general public deems as acceptable. (LeBron James)
If you’re going to continue to reinvent yourself, allow room for as many outlets as you need to express your creativity. Never allow anyone to put you in a box. The world needs your unique perspective to solving problems and producing change. The most pressing problems today are just waiting for someone to disrupt the status quo with a groundbreaking solution. It could be you.