These thoughts struck when thinking about the qualities of leaders in business. Good leaders are usually strong willed, so are entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs possess the self confidence to follow their dream and achieve goals, more in a strategic and planned sense, so do good leaders.

Good leaders are often energetic and get things done, so do successful entrepreneurs. As I am writing this I'm just thinking of these qualities as I go along and the matches keep coming.

Successful entrepreneurs often end up leading the organisation they have built. A good example being Richard Branson of Virgin. He started as a youth entrepreneur selling second hand records. In my experience good leaders tend to be dissatisfied once their goals have been achieved.

They need a new challenge to stimulate them. Winston Churchill was a brilliant war time leader but not so successful as a peace time Prime Minister.

Entrepreneurs sometimes get bored easily and after starting one successful enterprise will go off and do something similar again. They also, like good leaders, need the stimulation that new challenges create.

Where a difference comes in is that good leaders can be found in all fields of activity leading and managing commercial and non commercial organisations. Whereas successful entrepreneurs are mostly found in commercial activities, making money.

Can entrepreneurship and leadership be taught? This could cause a lot of debate. To me leadership development comes from experience and a desire of the strong willed to make a difference. Entrepreneurship on the other hand comes from a desire to make money and this is often a personal driver. Who taught the youthful Richard Branson entrepreneurship?

There are a number common qualities as I think I have shown, but there is also a big difference in where the motivation comes from.

Keys to success. Research your idea, plan for success and just plain DO IT!

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

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