One reason so many entrepreneurs fail is that there is no playbook for building a company. “You do what it takes” is a common refrain among our entrepreneurs. Many had the feeling of making it up along the way as they dealt with one crisis or another. Another common description of the entrepreneurial challenge: “It’s like building a bicycle while riding it.”

Company builders learn the benefits of quick decisions and often survive by improvisation. “You’re making decisions every day—yes, no, no, yes,” explains one Tiger 21 member. “Overanalyzing can get in the way.” The best entrepreneurs even think differently than corporate managers. This section offers insights on how entrepreneurs can nurture their creative thinking while leading their team to success.