What Makes The Top 10% Of Founders Different? - Michael Seibel

What Makes The Top 10% Of Founders Different? - Michael Seibel

Creativity Is a Process, Not an Event

In the world of entrepreneurship, there is a select group of individuals who stand out from the rest. These are the top 10% of founders who have achieved remarkable success in their ventures. But what sets them apart? According to Michael Seibel, there are three key factors that differentiate these founders from the rest.

First and foremost, these founders excel in execution and formidability. They never get stuck in the planning stage or get overwhelmed by challenges. Instead, they take action and push forward, even when faced with adversity. This ability to execute sets them apart and allows them to achieve their goals.

Another characteristic of these top founders is their clear communication skills. They can explain what their business does in just one to two sentences. This concise and effective communication allows them to convey their vision and attract investors, customers, and employees. It is a crucial skill that enables them to build strong relationships and drive their business forward.

Lastly, these founders possess internal motivation. They don't get easily discouraged when things go wrong. They understand that setbacks are part of the journey and use them as learning opportunities. This resilience and determination enable them to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity.

While these factors are crucial for entrepreneurial success, they also have implications for creativity. As we explore the concept of creativity, it becomes evident that these top founders possess qualities that foster creativity and innovation.

Creativity is often seen as a moment of brilliance, a eureka moment where ideas come together in a flash of inspiration. However, this perception overlooks the fact that creativity is a process, not an event. Just like the top founders, creative thinking requires time, effort, and persistence.

One example of this is Isaac Newton, who spent nearly twenty years working on his ideas about gravity before publishing his groundbreaking book. This highlights the importance of perseverance and continuous effort in the creative process.

Interestingly, studies have shown that while IQ scores have risen over the years, creative thinking scores have declined. This suggests that there is more to creativity than just intelligence. In fact, research indicates that personality factors become more predictive of creativity once the intelligence threshold is met.

This means that anyone can cultivate their creative skills by adopting a growth mindset. A growth mindset is characterized by a belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and practice. People with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and see failure as an opportunity for growth.

To foster a growth mindset and promote creativity in the workplace, it is important to praise the process rather than just the outcome. By acknowledging and rewarding effort, strategies, and resilience, we encourage a mindset that values the journey and not just the destination.

Additionally, creating constraints can be an effective strategy for sparking creative thinking. By imposing limitations, we challenge ourselves to think outside the box and find innovative solutions. This is why carefully designed constraints can be one of our best tools for stimulating creativity.

Broadening our knowledge is another effective strategy for enhancing creativity. By exposing ourselves to diverse topics and ideas, we expand our mental repertoire and increase the likelihood of making creative connections. As psychologist Robert Epstein suggests, broadening our knowledge can have a positive impact on both our psychological well-being and our creative thinking abilities.

Furthermore, the importance of sleep and positive emotions in fostering creativity should not be overlooked. Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive function, and creative thinking is significantly impaired by sleep deprivation. By prioritizing sleep and taking care of our mental and physical well-being, we can enhance our creative abilities.

Positive psychology research has also revealed that happiness and positive emotions broaden our thinking and make it easier for us to make creative connections. So, let's embrace positivity and strive to think more broadly, as it can lead to increased creativity.

In conclusion, the top 10% of founders possess qualities that not only drive entrepreneurial success but also foster creativity. Their ability to execute, communicate effectively, and maintain internal motivation sets them apart. Moreover, adopting a growth mindset, praising the process, and embracing constraints can enhance our own creative thinking abilities.

To cultivate creativity in our lives, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Adopt a growth mindset and embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Believe in your ability to develop your creative skills through effort and practice.

• 2. Praise the process rather than just the outcome. Focus on the effort, strategies, and resilience that individuals demonstrate in their creative pursuits.

• 3. Create constraints and broaden your knowledge. Imposing limitations and exposing yourself to diverse topics and ideas can stimulate creative thinking and lead to innovative solutions.

Remember, creativity is a process, not an event. Commit to the process, practice deliberately, and persist in your creative endeavors. By doing so, you can unlock your own creative genius and make a lasting impact.