Being in a startup is like being in a rocky boat with a storm coming!
After spending years in large and medium-sized established organizations, I joined a startup and worked with them for over three years. I have to say, it was a journey worth venturing into – full of learning and challenges.
For someone looking to feel a great sense of importance and responsibility, this is a place to be. But it's not just that, you have to master the art of being unfazed. Here are my three key learnings that I will take with me into future careers and personal challenges.
“Eliminate the mentality of can't because you can do anything.” –Tony Horton
Entrepreneurs always start out with a positive mindset, but all it takes is one failure to stir your emotions and bring out the negative mode as soon as it senses defeat, failure, or threat. And if you don't train your mind to practice positivity and calmness, it will soon affect the entire environment and ripple through everyone who is part of the startup.
There is always a solution to a problem, and you can still find it.
As soon as you remember this, you will feel an unwavering fire of strength within you. Being in a startup made me realize that no two days are the same; you don't even know what the end of the day has in store for you. And that could cause a lot of uncertainty – what kept me sane was meditation.
The most important thing is to leave your ego behind and practice positivity.
See also:How to Use Positive Energy for Better Results
“Failure is an option here. If things aren't failing, you aren't innovating enough. » – Elon Musk
Act, don't just think. Every idea is good because it is the cycle of improvisation and failure that makes it brilliant. Unless you start, you will not enter the game.
Flickr, the world's largest image and video hosting service, began as an online role-playing game that allowed users to buy, sell items, and interact in real time with people. other users. It's the constant evaluation and multiple pivots that will eventually lead you in the right direction.
Because iteration is key and, as often advised by industry mentors, pivot – bounce back from failure until you find a product-market fit.
The key is not to let important pivots affect your morale and attitude. Not every entrepreneur can be a good manager, but if you know how to calmly and strategically handle difficult times, you will have a positive work environment and fruitful days.
“The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” –George Bernard Shaw
Often the atmosphere in a startup can become stressful – and these circumstances can infuse negativity into the work environment if not handled wisely. Such situations can bring out the worst in you, which could affect your work and your relationship with your employees/peers.
Speak up, voice your concern and clear the air – only then can you you can give your 100%. Otherwise, the situation consumes you and affects your productivity.
I have experienced first hand how effective communication can lead to better results.
See also:4 keys to speaking with confidence
The learning should never stop and I am grateful to have had the chance to work in a startup and be challenged daily. It's when you do things differently; only then will you open your mind to endless possibilities for professional and personal growth.
In the end, all that matters is the takeout. And as my grandfather used to say, it takes three Ps to be successful – Patience, Perseverance and Practice.
