Topic for Discussion: How do we, as small business owners, inspire our employees with the spirit of entrepreneurship that our democratic capitalism fosters?

Answer: Grooming employees to be independent, creative thinkers, inspired to excel, committed to do whatever it takes…the process is very similar to the process of raising children. This should not surprise us since the goals of each process are very similar. Like raising children, we should have different expectations of our employees at various stages and levels.

The new employee requires quite a bit of nurturing. S(h)e must be oriented to the corporate family, welcomed to its center, and our expectations must be clearly articulated. Common goals must be imparted, as well as where and how the new employee fits in our scheme to achieve those goals. The structural framework of participation is rigid, but comforting, and the new employee feels safe and at home.

Our children grow up quickly, and our employees are new for a short period of time. Watch them carefully, talk to them often, and when you believe they are ready, give them more freedom, more responsibility. Keep them constantly challenged, as you are, and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that inspired you to hire them in the first place.

You think about it: Are your employees entrepreneurial? Do you encourage them to be?