Entrepreneurial Leadership:
The Directed Application of Innovation
ENTREPRENEURIAL
ACTIONS
SSAO AS AN ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADER
e Embrace uncertainty
SSAO has a new president and approaches her with five suggestions for
strengthening the campus environment.
n Negotiate wins
from losses
SSAO must merge two departments due to budget cuts. This change can open up
new options for roles, tasks, and marketing efforts in the new department.
t Take calculated
risks
SSAO assumes responsibility for a service department with a troubled reputation
and aims to transform the business model of that department, melding student
learning and customer service principles.
r Resist
protectionism
SSAO responds to criticism of Career Center by seeking further feedback and
benchmarking the center’s efforts.
e Expand team
and self-select
stakeholders
SSAO invites colleagues from across campus to take part in planning efforts for
student affairs.
P Play offense not defense
SSAO actively seeks feedback and new opportunities, moving beyond a tendency
to meet feedback with defensiveness.
r Retain entrepreneurial
talent
SSAO creates professional development track for mid-level talent, offering encouragement to write and to network with faculty.
e Employ effective
communications
SSAO communicates openly and frequently, stressing key messages and highlighting areas of opportunity in the organization.
n Network with colleagues to
build shared partnerships
SSAO attends programs and meetings beyond the normal “circle” and introduces
him/herself to colleagues in “unlikely” corners of the campus.
e Enrich resource base
SSAO taps into young alumni to raise funds for student leadership program.
u Understand and influence
SSAO listens carefully for others’ interests and motivations; makes arguments to
link those interests to his/her goals.
r Reward and reinforce
innovation and creativity
SSAO celebrates innovation among staff and students, ensuring departmental
reports highlight innovative and fresh approaches.
I Identify opportunities and
initiate and implement
change
SSAO adjusts service hours in key departments to meet changing student needs.
A Add value
SSAO seeks ways to contribute to “unexpected” outreach or alumni relations
functions of the institution.
L Lead with a clear vision
SSAO articulates the vision in meetings, in printed documents, and on websites,
makes vision a part of daily conversations with staff and students, and excites
those around him/her to achieve it.
