Appropriate Use of Strengths
The inspiring entrepreneur provides an organization with direction and a sense of purpose. The inspiring executive wants to know what is missing in the organization. What is the tough question that this organization never asks about itself? What has this organization lost and must find again? What is needed to make this an excellent closely-held enterprise? The answers to these questions do not come from numerical analyses or policy manuals. Through these questions and through her own actions in the organization, the inspiring executive repeatedly draws the attention of members back to the central, convening vision, purpose and values of the closely-held enterprise.
The inspiring entrepreneur constantly pulls energy into an organization and focuses it on that which is truly important. In doing so, the inspiring executive helps to define the basic and recurring patterns of the organization. The inspiring executive can attract attention to the core vision, purposes and values of an organization primarily because she knows how to relate the personal aspirations of members to the vision and purposes of the closely-held enterprise. She is also in a position to convince members that the vision can and should be attained.
Frequently, the inspiring entrepreneur formulates the vision herself and plays a central role in building community and commitment around this vision. The inspiring entrepreneur may also become the steward or servant of the vision that is established and enacted by other members of the community. The inspiring executive no longer holds the vision herself. The vision is built by and shared with the entire community. The inspiring executive works hard to make sure it is realized or at least that the organization consistently works toward the vision. She often plays the painful but necessary role of referee or guardian, making sure that everyone is playing by the rules and working toward the mission. The actions of all members of the closely-held enterprise should be aligned with its core values.
