The stubborn entrepreneur

Let’s face it, “stubbornness” doesn’t have the best public relations, this is why too many people consider stubbornness as a bad trait.

When focusing on entrepreneurship, surprisingly (or not!), stubbornness is actually perceived as a positive trait, some will say it’s essential for entrepreneurs and “tag” them as better equipped for success.

There are lots of examples of a stubbornness who led to success but at the same time, you can’t ignore the ones who ended up with a complete failure.
I’m not familiar with a winning formula for when being stubborn is good and when not.

Stubbornness = Decisiveness

Being decisive is necessary for a manager and/or entrepreneur, in many cases you have to make decisions on the spur of the moment. Being stubborn in this situation by sticking to the original plan or the vision can be helpful.

Lack of decisiveness often comes with hesitation and might cause delays with decision making and potentially miss out on a potentially golden opportunity.

Stubbornness = No Concessions

Stubborn people don’t give in or let someone or something easily beat them, even when “things go south” they keep going and insist until they get what they want. Stubborn people are very committed and will do what it takes to solve problems.

Stubborn entrepreneurs don’t compromise, they are not going to give up or be satisfied with little. They will fight and do what it takes to achieve the best results and hit their goals. Stubbornness often leads to a belief that you can always find a better way — in most cases, it will be the stubborn person way!

Not Swayed By The Crowd

Naturally, the stubborn person won’t be easily affected by the surrounding, in most cases, they will try to find alternative ways filled with creativity to move forward and stick to what they believe should be done. Stubbornness requires “guts” and self-confidence, following your heart and go against the current is not a simple thing to do.

People might see you as irrational or nuts. However, the biggest success stories are usually ones that include an innovative thinker — a renegade who refused to cave to the roar of the crowd.

Summary

In job interviews, some people ask the candidates to tell more about themselves by listing 3 positives and 3 negative traits, do you think stubborn people will say it’s a positive trait?

I strongly believe that stubbornness is a superpower, like many other traits you have to use it wisely and carefully.

Don’t forget, as an entrepreneur you have to choose your battles, the price of being stubborn with everything in your way can be very high — keep that in mind!