This chapter reviews who should lead a company of one (p. 45). The idea of a company of one can be implemented in an entrepreneurial sense, but also in an intrapreneurial sense as well. Not only can an individual create a company of one, but they can also introduce this mindset to their work within a preexisting company.
The population has a nearly even split between introverts and extroverts. Despite this, more than 96% of executives and managers are extroverted, and in a 2006 study it was found that 65% of senior corporate executives viewed introversion as a barrier to leadership (p. 47-48). Jarvis argues that this stereotype does not always hold true. Personality tests are often used to determine one’s inclination toward one or the other (Caprelli, 2022). Knowing where oneself stands can aid in channeling personal strengths to balance out potential weak spots. This can also allow people to understand how to work more harmoniously among others and pool differences between extroverts and introverts to better execute project deliverables.
Autonomy is another key concept discussed within this chapter. Businesses and companies of one must balance autonomy without creating an anarchy. Developing autonomy within a business is not as easy as simply removing all processes, rules, and prescriptions. There still must be some form of direction and management provided. 79% of Fortune 1,000 companies and 81% of manufacturing organizations today have employed self-directed/autonomous teams that are all led in some way (p. 49). Autonomous processes can play an essential role in harvesting flexibility and improving efficiency. Autonomy is something that can be developed over time. For example, as students we are self-autonomous within this course. We have received guidance through professor outreach and posted course material; however, we are able to work at our own pace. There are not schedule meeting or “working hours”, how long we spend on the course is dependent on our own work preferences and efficiency. Autonomy is something that can be gradually introduced to people, as it is an importance skill to foster, as it ties into personal motivation and responsibility (a core characteristic that promotes success). Psychologist and Hopscotch and Harmony director, Jessica Cleary, states, “If they [ children] demonstrate an interest in doing something, and there’s no safety reason why they can’t, then let them” (Gomez, 2023). This a key strategy that allows autonomy to be developed, starting in early life stages.
Jarvis also highlights the importance of mental health, knowing oneself, and paying attention to your mental health, triggers, and taking time to resolve issues and struggles as they arise. A fellow peer of mine, Curtis Fann, has a blog centered around mental health, particularly among athletes. Here is the link to his blog!
Jarvis concludes this chapter with the following thought-provoking messages. The following has been retrieved directly from his book.
BEGIN TO THINK ABOUT
- Where you could strike a balance between autonomy and guidance
- What areas you could learn more about that would benefit your business and make you a more well-rounded generalist
- Steps you could take to strike a balance between hustlin’ and recuperation (p. 59).
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