Entrepreneurship Is Not Leadership

Bridging the Gap Between Risk & Character

“Entrepreneurship is not leadership,” my business partner said during a late-night conversation after a long work day. I asked him to repeat the phrase because the words caught me off guard. I always assumed that “entrepreneurship” and “leadership” were identical twins.

After reflecting on this for awhile, I think the two are measured differently:

Entrepreneurship is measured by risk. Leadership is quantified by character.

The tough call. Honesty. Morale. The late-nights. Extra effort. Closed door conversations. Laughs. Great work. Business ethics. Beliefs. The right questions. Integrity.

Leadership is not a prerequisite for entrepreneurism. Reputation in entrepreneurship results in an evaluation; a quantified value of your idea.

Character is what you’ll be remembered for. It is your legacy. It’s what your closest friends, spouse, enemies, coworkers, parents, children, clients, and business partners say about you.

When I started Whiteboard I felt compelled to subscribe to Fast Company and Wired Magazine. Cover after cover celebrates entrepreneurs who’ve defied odds and built businesses. Needle in the haystack stories of risk and reward inspire us all.

Entrepreneurship is what our society celebrates, but just like winning; it’s not everything.

Character is made in the smallest decisions.

The tough call. Honesty. Morale. The late-nights. Extra effort. Closed door conversations. Laughs. Great work. Business ethics. Beliefs. The right questions. Integrity.

That’s where the leader is made too.