The Key Skills Of An Entrepreneur

Take The Self-Assessment

Have you ever wondered what sets highly successful entrepreneurs apart?  
Do you know which key skills are necessary to thrive as a leader in today’s rapidly changing world?  
Are you ready to take a self-assessment and identify areas for growth in your entrepreneurial journey?

In today’s episode, we’ll dive into the critical characteristics that every entrepreneurial leader should possess—or develop. This is a subjective selection of 18 key skills, and I encourage you to use this episode as a self-test. There’s no hierarchical order here. Instead, I’ve arranged the skills alphabetically. You’ll notice that I’m covering a broad range of abilities, touching on each only briefly. My goal is to whet your appetite for self-reflection.  

So, grab a pen, or just keep a mental note as we go through these traits, and let’s dive in.Welcome to a new episode of Self-Leadership with Dr. Bensmann, where we explore how mastering self-leadership helps you thrive across all areas of your life.

Skills For Your Self-Assessment

A is for Action  

Taking action is crucial. Can you push through complexity and make things happen?** Entrepreneurs don’t wait for perfect conditions. They start, adjust, and improve along the way.

Another A is for Adaptability

How well can you adapt to changing circumstances constructively—like “survival of the fittest”? Successful entrepreneurs don’t avoid disruptions; they analyze challenges with emotional detachment, explore options, and creatively adjust to change. Can you stay flexible in a world that’s constantly shifting?

C is for Creativity 

The desire to discover, create something new, and see oneself as a designer of change is vital. Entrepreneurs balance solitude for personal planning with team interaction to spark creativity. When was the last time you let yourself fully explore new ideas?

D is for Delegation  

Delegation is about letting go and handing over tasks to others. It corresponds with the field of “Employees, Partners, and Networks” in my Seven Fields of Self-Leadership. Ask yourself: What can I do best, and what should I leave to others?

Another D stands for Decision-Making  

The ability to make decisions under difficult circumstances is key to entrepreneurial success. Leaders draw on pragmatic tools like scenario techniques and involve others in their decision-making. Are you comfortable making tough calls?

E is for Enthusiasm  

I differentiate between passion and enthusiasm. Passion can lead to burnout, while enthusiasm fuels energy and positivity. It’s important not to fully identify with your role. Can you maintain a healthy balance between work and personal identity?

F is for Focus  

In today’s world of constant distractions, maintaining a “laser-sharp focus” is harder than ever. How well can you focus amidst digital overload?

G is for Grit  

Resilience in the face of adversity is essential. Grit combines enthusiasm with perseverance. How do you push through setbacks and keep going when things get tough?

M is for Mindset  

It’s about shaping your mindset toward constructive thinking. How do you respond mentally when faced with challenges?

Another M stands for Mission  

Knowing your personal mission is key to well-being and effective leadership. What is your core mission, and how does it guide your daily decisions?

O is for Openness  

Balancing advocacy with inquiry is critical. Can you pause your own viewpoint long enough to understand and integrate other perspectives?

O is for Overview  

Like an artist stepping back from a canvas, you must see the whole picture in your business. Can you zoom out and maintain perspective while managing the details?

Another O stands for Recognizing and Seizing Opportunities  

Where others see problems, entrepreneurial minds see opportunities. Are you able to spot hidden opportunities, even in difficult situations?

P is for Patience  

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires persistence and the ability to wait for the right moment. Can you stay patient while working toward your long-term goals?

R is for Risk-Taking  

I’ve written about the importance of taking risks. Success can make us risk-averse, but growth often requires taking bold steps. Are you still willing to take risks, or are you playing it safe?

S is for Self-Efficacy  

Self-efficacy refers to your belief in your ability to succeed. A strong belief in your problem-solving abilities leads to greater success. How confident are you in your ability to achieve your goals?

Another S stands for Self-Motivation  

Entrepreneurs have the ability to constantly motivate themselves. They rely on rituals and methods to stay on track during tough times. Do you have personal routines that help you stay focused and motivated?

V is for Values  

Knowing your values is crucial for guiding your decisions. Are you fully aware of the values that drive your choices?

Before we wrap it all up, let me offer three more skills worth reflecting on:  

H is for Humility  

Being humble doesn’t mean underestimating yourself—it means understanding that you always have more to learn. Do you embrace learning from others, no matter your status?

I is for Intuition 

Entrepreneurs often rely on gut feelings to guide them when data is lacking. How well do you trust your instincts, especially when making quick decisions?

O is for Optimism  

Maintaining a positive outlook, even during adversity, is key for entrepreneurial resilience. Can you stay hopeful, even in uncertain times?

—

You might have more aspects in mind—how about S for Self-Development or C for Communication?  

Don’t wait—take this self-assessment now, rating yourself on a scale from 0 to 10 for each of these 18 skills. Identify areas where you can grow and start making progress today.

—

For more in-depth guidance, practical ideas, and plenty of background knowledge, check out my latest book Self-Leadership: The Key To Being Productive.

—

If you found today’s episode valuable, share it with someone who could benefit from mastering their self-leadership. Better yet, challenge a friend or colleague to take this self-assessment with you. These conversations could spark powerful insights!

—–

Music Into & Outro by Joakim Karud http://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud