Why Companies Need “Intrapreneurs”

When you think of a good team member, entrepreneurship is rarely a skill that comes to mind. Entrepreneurs are usually folks that go their own way, are hard-headed, take huge risks, and often fail. These roguish traits are rarely conducive to collaboration and incremental growth. However, many organizations are seeking to bring the benefits of entrepreneurship—the passion and the creativity—into the bounds of organizational success by fostering an emerging skill—“intrapreneurship.” An intrapreneur is a person who can take on the responsibilities of innovative new ideas, products, and processes within the organization and champion their success. By supporting intrapreneurs, companies will ensure they remain competitive while fending off stagnation with the added benefit of bolstering employee engagement. If an intrapreneur sees that their idea is valued, it leads to the understanding that their input can make a positive impact in an organization, leading to higher levels of motivation and loyalty. “Employee engagement continues to be an important predictor of company performance even in a tough economy,” Jim Harter, Gallup’s chief scientist of employee engagement and well-being, said. “When you ask people about their intentions during a recession, it’s pretty clear that disengaged workers are just waiting around to see what happens. Engaged workers, though, have bought into what the organization is about and are trying to make a difference. This is why they’re usually the most productive workers.”