40% of workers consider themselves an entrepreneur, research reveals

London, UK – 19th November 2019 – Forty per cent of workers consider themselves entrepreneurs. This is according to The Myers-Briggs Company research report, ‘Type and entrepreneurship’, which investigates the relationship between personality and entrepreneurship in the workplace. The research suggests that entrepreneurial businesses perform better financially, and thus, creating a work environment where employees of all personality types can embrace their entrepreneurial qualities is beneficial to businesses. 

The report, from leading business psychology providers The Myers-Briggs Company, revealed that people of any personality type can be successful entrepreneurs, and that knowing the unique strengths and blind spots of their individual type gives a real advantage to prospective entrepreneurs. The report also revealed that 32% of workers surveyed would consider setting up their own business, and only 13% had not considered it at all. There is clearly an appetite for entrepreneurial endeavours within businesses, and organisations can take advantage of this to enhance productivity and innovation, in order to compete on a global scale.

For example, some of the characteristics of those with a preference for Extraversion and Intuition include curiosity, and a willingness to try new approaches and take risks, while they may lack attention to detail. In contrast, those with a preference for Introversion and Thinking bring a logical, objective focus to problems, but may need to avoid being too internally focused.

In light of Global Entrepreneurship Week , running from November 18 – 24th, The Myers-Briggs Company encourages businesses to embrace a culture of entrepreneurism. Global Entrepreneurship Week aims to inspire people to explore their potential as entrepreneurs while fostering connections and increasing collaboration within their ecosystems or organisations. 

Commenting on the findings, John Hackston, Head of Thought Leadership at The Myers-Briggs Company, said: “A culture of entrepreneurship goes beyond just starting your own business, and is in fact a vital part of ensuring organisations remain innovative. Entrepreneurs drive economic growth, and in a time of stagnating UK productivity, business innovation is more crucial than ever. Two key factors of entrepreneurialism are creativity and risk-taking, and by enabling employees to embrace these entrepreneurial tendencies within their own personalities, organisations can build a culture of innovation and productivity.”

Hackston continued, “Entrepreneurialism or ‘start up culture’ is not just reserved for lone maverick entrepreneurs and disruptors – large organisations can benefit from a self-aware workforce, one that is able to leverage their own individual entrepreneurial strengths. As businesses grow in size and structure, it can be difficult to maintain a culture of risk taking and creativity - but it is not impossible. Global Entrepreneurship Week is the perfect opportunity for businesses to talk to their employees about the value of entrepreneurial thinking. By understanding the unique skills each employee can bring to the table and how to maximise them, organisations can foster a culture of entrepreneurship, and in turn have a positive impact on the business bottom line.”

 

About The Myers-Briggs Company 
In our fast-changing world, your edge lies in harnessing 100 percent of your talent – whether you’re at work, home, school, college, or anywhere in between. Your success and sense of fulfilment aren’t just about what you know and what you can do, they hinge on your relationships and interactions with others. The Myers-Briggs Company empowers individuals to be the best versions of themselves by enriching self-awareness and their understanding of others. We help organisations around the world improve teamwork and collaboration, develop inspirational leaders, foster diversity and solve their most complex people challenges. As a certified B Corp (and a registered California Benefit Corporation), The Myers-Briggs Company is a force for good. Our powerfully practical solutions are grounded in a deep understanding of the significant social and technological trends that affect people and organisations. With over 60 years in assessment development and publishing, and over 30 years of consultancy and training expertise, a global network of offices, partners and certified independent consultants in 115 countries, products in 29 languages, and experience working with 88 of the Fortune 100 companies, we’re ready to help you succeed.

   

Media Contacts:

Hiwot Wolde-Senbet, Flagship Consulting
Natasha Cobby, Flagship Consulting
Joe Morphet, Flagship Consulting
myers-briggs@flagshipconsulting.co.uk
+44 207 680 7104

Petra Merne
The Myers-Briggs Company
PMerne@themyersbriggs.com
+44 1865 404584