In terms of behavior and brain activity, the feelings entrepreneurs have for their businesses are similar to those parents have for their children. A recent study shows that love is an important motivator for both parents and entrepreneurs. The study used functional MRI to study the brain activity of fathers and fast-growing entrepreneurs. Fathers were shown pictures of their own children and other children they knew. Entrepreneurs were shown photos of their own companies and other companies they knew.
The results of the fathers were similar to those of previous brain studies conducted mainly on mothers. Looking at pictures of your own child in particular deactivates the parts of the brain responsible for the theory of mind and social understanding. Similar deactivations were observed among entrepreneurs who felt very attached to their company.
On the other hand, the results also suggest that overconfidence and the suppression of negative emotions can lead to an overestimation of the probability of success and overly optimistic assumptions for the company.
The study tested the hypothesis that the emotional bond an entrepreneur feels to the company is similar to the bond experienced by a parent to the child. Entrepreneurs are very emotionally involved in their business, and this involvement supports the entrepreneur's long-term efforts. This hypothesis had never been scientifically tested.
