How an IT Intrapreneur Navigates
An IT intrapreneur is an employee of a company who acts like an entrepreneur to advance innovation. The intrapreneur seeks out and develops a project that can help the organization thrive, even if that project may not directly benefit him or her personally. Intrapreneurs can be found in every industry and are often able to implement their ideas at a higher level than regular employees because they are not restricted by the structure of the organization. Intrapreneurship is a great way to gain experience and build skills, while also helping a business to grow and prosper.
There is a natural tendency for established organizations to want to preserve the status quo, and resistance to change is a common phenomenon among workers. This is understandable because the status quo offers security and stability. However, the reality is that companies that do not adapt to new environmental challenges will eventually fail. This is known as organizational Darwinism, and it is why IT intrapreneur is important.
A number of different strategies for overcoming resistance to change have been developed. These include training and awareness-raising, which are the most efficient ways to reduce resistance because they require fewer resources. Another option is to promote the intrapreneur, whose role as an innovator is to lead the company in a new direction. This strategy has the advantage of making the intrapreneur a visible leader in the company, which may decrease resistance to his or her ideas.
How an IT Intrapreneur Navigates and Overcomes Resistance to Change
Another method of overcoming resistance to change is to focus on the positive aspects of change, such as improved efficiency and increased profitability. This strategy has the added benefit of making the intrapreneur more confident in his or her abilities, which may also decrease resistance. Another effective technique is to communicate the importance of innovation, and to provide concrete examples of how an innovative approach has led to success in other organizations.
One of the most critical factors for overcoming resistance to change is to identify and isolate the causes of this response. This can be accomplished by conducting an empirical study, such as a survey of employees that identifies the most frequent causes of resistance to change. The information from this study can be used to formulate a model that will allow the elimination of these causes, and thus reduce the impact of resistance on innovation.
Being an IT intrapreneur can be rewarding and exciting, but it also presents a number of challenges. For instance, an intrapreneur needs to be a good team player and have the ability to find solutions. A strong problem-solving skill set is especially important, as it can help an intrapreneur navigate and overcome resistance to his or her ideas. Intrapreneurs must be able to listen to teammates’ problems and come up with creative, cost-effective solutions that improve productivity. For example, an IT intrapreneur can help colleagues resolve computer issues without calling IT or organize their work to make it more efficient. By listening closely and finding out what works, an IT intrapreneur can make their ideas a reality.
