What qualities hamper physicians from becoming successful entrepreneurs?
On the other side of the coin, we physicians tend to have several strikes against us which can be sizeable barriers to establishing successful ventures. Ill assume here that many of the fundamental characteristics of an entrepreneur, thus, being risk tolerant, creative, flexible, energetic and self-confident are already in place. • Our reputation as being poor listeners. Its not just our patients who complain about being interrupted within 10 seconds of relating their complaints. Most people in business communities have the same criticism. • Our difficulty thinking outside of the “scientist box” or away from our “white coat” world. • Our difficulty seeing that the perspectives of colleagues with expertise in marketing and sales should carry as much weight as our own. • Our tendency to problem solve for ourselves rather than going out and hiring the requisite talent.
