8 Entrepreneurial Skills You Should Teach Your Kids

12/11/2015

Written by: aradhanap111

Entrepreneurs are mavericks the world looks up to. They tackle problems of great significance with ingenuity and flair. And most of these entrepreneurs come from humble beginnings and usually go against the status quo. While tackling all that life has to throw at them, they learn important lessons and invaluable experience that can be passed on. Such  traits should be taught to everyone, especially children who are easily moldable. In most stories of great success, a child’s  formative years have made a huge impact on his/her lives. So, here are 8 Skills of successful entrepreneurs that you can teach your children. 

1. Stubbornness:

They say that successful people don’t know the word “can’t.” Thomas Edison famously had more than ten thousand failed attempts before eventually inventing the light bulb. Entrepreneurs are rather bullish about what they want and how they want it. When their fortunes take a turn for the worse, it is this trait that helps them get back-up. This is perhaps the most important facet of an entrepreneurs character, their doggedness and willingness to move past a setback. Children should also be encouraged to show the same resilience. They should be taught that no matter how bad a situation may seem, it is still possible to get back up and continue striving towards a goal. The skill will hold your children in good stead for whatever life throws at them.

2. Creativity:

A major chunk of interparental success is the ability to innovate or revolutionize processes and products. Being creative is the cornerstone of many large companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook. Most children are naturally creative, and it is clear while they play with their toys or friends. The same creative mentality can be applied to solve common problems around them. Encourage your children to think “outside the box.” Children have uncluttered views and aren’t held back by stereotypes that most adults face.

3. Bend the rules:

Entrepreneurs are famous for their ability to break convention and follow their ideas. Steve Jobs made design, user interface, and aesthetics his primary focus, facets that were previously unheard of for a technology company. Henry Ford made the automobile affordable through his now commonplace assembly line initiative. Entrepreneurs are usually at the forefront of trends, challenging convention and leading change. Children should be encouraged not to follow every rule set for them. They should be made to reason and weigh all the options and decide for themselves what they think is right or wrong

4. Risks:

Perhaps a great indicator of an individual’s confidence is his ability to assess and take on risks. Entrepreneurs are typically risk takers; people who are willing to put all they have on the line for an idea they believe in. Give them the confidence and support to explore new opportunities, even if it seems risky. Such thinking, along with a sharp mind will give them a great chance of growing up to be successful.

5. Curiosity:

Children are naturally curious creatures. They like exploring their environment and learning new things. They also love asking questions! And entrepreneurs share this trait as they constantly try to understand the world they’re in and how they can contribute to it. So, allow your children to pursue their interests and hobbies. Family outings to museums and activity centers will keep their curiosity buzzing and keep them interested in the workings of their world.

6. Empathy:

The ability to lead others is a key aspect of interparental skill. The best leaders are those who can relate and empathize with others around them. Positive relations with peers and others will help them grow. The importance of caring and sharing can be taught through volunteer work at the local community center or an old age home. Even helping their parents clean up around the house will let them know the amount of work involved for the simplest of tasks and how they can help others.

7. Generosity:

Mark Zuckerburg, the founder of Facebook was recently in the news for pledging to donate 99% or 45 billion $ to a charitable trust. Warren Buffet is now more well known for his charitable contributions than his incredible business acumen. From a young age, children should be made aware of those less fortunate than them. Even small acts of kindness should be encouraged, and their positive impact should be explained. This will encourage the children to actively help people around them.

8. Optimism:

Probably the single most defining factor of an entrepreneur’s success story is his belief that things will work out in the end. They have an unfaltering faith in their abilities as well as the ideas they invest in. All other factors like their ability to be creative, and take risks all hinges on their belief of success. No pressure of deadlines, overheads, workforce or any other factors can influence their thought process. Children are usually optimistic, and this can be further cultivated by sharing positive and motivational stories.

Entrepreneurs owe their success to their foundations; characteristics instilled in them from a young age by people around them. It helps shape their lives as well as those of many around them. Children are capable of great things if given the right motivation and guidance. Try and inspire and develop future leaders and influencers through these entrepreneurial skills.