The edge of experience

Entrepreneurs are self-reliant, diligent, "don't take no for an answer" people, who often move forward on plans and projects confidently, even when they don't know all the answers or even all the questions.

This drive is fueled by the belief that working harder can solve almost any problem, or that if we have the money, we can pay to have the problem solved. This moment in the life of an entrepreneur and their company I call, being "at the edge of our experience."

The edge of experience is the point at which we realize that neither we ourselves as leaders, nor any of our team members actually has any applicable experience for the upcoming project we've assumed. There is no looking back over our shoulder to examine what similarities there might be between what we have done before and what we are about to tackle.

Intellect, hard work and diligence are vital for business success, but they are generally not a substitute for experience.

Part of the development of entrepreneurial companies is to include people of experience as part of your team. Youthful energy is wonderful, and when combined with a mature experience, can build confidence and credibility. Always subjecting your team members to situations where they are working at the edge of their experience can create tensions and anxieties that cause resentment and work to dilute teamwork, rather than support it.

The young quarterback runs the team on the field, but the usually older, more mature-minded coaches lend their experience to the mix.