Startups don't have the resources of their larger, more established counterparts, but they make up for it by creating a corporate culture that encourages new ideas and taking risks. Startups use the "nothing to lose" mindset to drive decision making and often find success by taking chances that most organizations wouldn't. The culture is very conducive to employee development and oftentimes the environment is considered so enjoyable, they don't even realize how hard they are working. This is why so many larger organizations with pedigree are attempting to emulate this philosophy.
The startup mentality is the latest craze to take over the corporate landscape. Many companies, regardless of the number of years they have been in business, boast that they "act like a startup." This is used as a recruiting tool to show incoming employees that the company is hip and fun to work for. While it's one thing to make this claim, businesses must employ executives and senior managers who can maintain this culture.
A Silicon Angle article brought this point up earlier this year.
"Here's the thing: Complacency kills," wrote Bart Copeland, the article's author. "The indolent enterprise invariably loses out to the gazelle startup. The most successful big companies, including Amazon, Dell, Google and Microsoft, all embrace their inner entrepreneurialism and encourage employees to dream big about existing and future products and services. Some companies even create environments where devotees, business partners, and other ecosystem stakeholders can contribute. These established companies make breakthroughs, introduce new revenue streams, and keep customers engaged."
It's important for your organization to find business leaders who embrace this mentality and can influence their workers to think the same way. Working with an executive and senior manager search firm will help you identify candidates with this ability.
