Intrapreneur vs Employee: Fostering Innovation in the Workplace

An intrapreneur is someone who embodies an entrepreneurial spirit within the framework of a larger organisation. They are creative, resourceful, and willing to take risks in pursuit of new ideas and innovative solutions. They are not satisfied with the status quo and are always looking for ways to improve and grow.

One of the key benefits of having intrapreneurs within an organisation is that they can help to drive innovation and growth. By encouraging employees to think creatively and to take risks, companies can stay ahead of the competition and stay relevant in a constantly evolving marketplace. This can lead to new products and services, improved processes and workflows, and a more engaged and motivated workforce.

One company that has successfully fostered a culture of intrapreneurship is 3M. 3M has a long history of innovation, and they credit much of their success to their culture of intrapreneurship. Employees are encouraged to come up with new ideas and to take risks, and the company provides them with the resources and support they need to turn those ideas into reality. As a result, 3M has been able to develop a wide range of innovative products, from Post-it notes to medical adhesives.

Another great example of a company that uses intrapreneurship is Amazon. The company's "Just Do It" culture encourages employees to experiment and innovate in their work. This has led to a number of new products and services, such as the Amazon Echo and the Amazon Prime subscription service. Amazon also has a program called "Working Backwards" which encourages employees to think creatively and come up with new ideas for products and services.

So what does an organisation need to enable intrapreneurs to innovate?

Firstly, a supportive culture is key. This means providing employees with the freedom to explore new ideas, the resources they need to bring those ideas to life, and the support and encouragement of their peers and management. Companies that have a culture of intrapreneurship often have strong values around risk-taking, innovation, and creativity, and they empower employees to take ownership of their work.

Secondly, companies need to provide intrapreneurs with the right tools and resources. This includes access to funding, technology, and expertise, as well as the freedom to experiment and iterate as they work on new projects. By giving intrapreneurs the resources they need to innovate, companies can help to foster a culture of innovation and drive growth.

Finally, companies need to recognise and reward intrapreneurs for their contributions. This can take many forms, from financial rewards and promotions to recognition and praise from peers and management. By valuing and rewarding intrapreneurs, companies can help to create a culture where innovation is not only encouraged but celebrated.

In conclusion, the difference between an employee and an intrapreneur is their mindset. While employees may be content to carry out their assigned tasks, intrapreneurs are always looking for ways to innovate and improve their work. By fostering a culture of intrapreneurship, companies can encourage innovation.