Global Leadership Summit – Len Schlesinger

Len Schlesinger

President, Babson College; Harvard Professor;
Former Vice-Chair, Limited Brands
Boston, Massachusetts

In today’s climate of social and economic uncertainty, conventional approaches to problem-solving don’t work anymore. “The traditional way of thinking our way into acting is rendered essentially useless,” says entrepreneurial thought leader, Len Schlesinger. “Action trumps everything.”

A former executive in two Fortune 500 companies, Schlesinger believes that entrepreneurial activity, steeped in experiential learning, can transform the way leaders move forward in the face of unpredictability—and that entrepreneurial thinking can be codified and taught to anyone. Leaders hungry to stay ahead of the 21st century change curve are invited to unlock this entrepreneurial code for themselves and shore up their ministries or organizations for success, regardless of what the future may bring.

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Session Notes: “Action Trumps Everything”

Entrepreneurship has the power to change the world.

Really good entrepreneurs are really good at adapting and minimizing risk.

Most entrepreneurs start without a sharply defined vision.

“Entrepreneurship is a discipline and a discipline can be learned.” Peter Drucker

If you can’t predict the future, create it.  Act!

1. Take small steps with what you have in hand.
2. Make sure you’re taking a firm step on solid ground.
3. Build off what you actually find from that step.
4. Have some resources or friends standing by if you need some help.

Start with things you care about!

Entrepreneurs are always doing what they want to do or what they think will get them what they want.

Instead of worrying about what you are going to do, worry about what you are going to do next.

We’re afraid of taking action because we’re afraid of failure.

Failure doesn’t mean game over.  It mean start over with experience.

Failure is learning things that no one else knows.

1. Know what you want.
2. Stop obsessing about the things you need to do something.  Start with the means you have.
3. Take steps on your means and what you can afford.
4. Bring other people with you and remain flexible.

Where are you holding back?  How do you need to embrace the spirit of an entrepreneurism?