Yet another entrepreneurial passion post, this one pointing to an article written by Ralph Schrader, CEO of Booz Allen & Hamilton.
In the article, Schrader talks about the various qualities needed for entrepreneurial success. The most important, in his view? Passion.
The last, and I believe the most important quality for success — whether on the playing field or in the marketplace — is passion. That's why I've challenged conventional wisdom in my title and say, "Entrepreneurship is not about the product ... it's about the passion.
A great idea, product, concept, or talent is necessary for winning but not sufficient. Stars need passion, no matter what arena they perform in.
The great dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham said, "Great dancers are not great because of their technique. They are great because of their passion."
Passion is the fire that makes stars and entrepreneurs push harder and farther despite the odds. And, passion is contagious — it inspires others.
Two weeks ago, Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon.com and clearly a "star entrepreneur" of the new economy, was interviewed on National Public Radio's Morning Edition programme. He was asked how he spotted stars to bring into his company.
Bezos said, "It's not just smarts ... it's passion that matters ... especially if you're trying to do something hard. "You can have a job or you can have a mission. If you are going to join a company that's on a mission, you really need to be passionate about it. Because, otherwise, it's just too much work and it won't be fun. So, passion is probably the single most important criteria I look for."
Curt Rosengren
