Sailing through storms : A practical exhibition of entrepreneurial leadership methods

Abstract: Weathering the entrepreneurial storm is considered by many an art form in itself but an undeniable, universal truth is the unilateral impact of an extraordinary leader on the chances of triumph in the face of great adversity. Yet the focus of academic studies all too often concerns the understanding of the weather patterns, the choice of captain and the direction of the ship rather than how to turn the wheel, raise the mast or set the sails. This study has the aim of deciphering the routines, actions and methods of entrepreneurial leaders so as to produce tangible, actionable knowledge which real practitioners can bestow upon themselves. This is a collective case study which examines ten entrepreneurial leaders from various cities throughout Sweden using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The findings pertain to routines, activities and methods that they use to fulfil five roles of effective entrepreneurial leadership which are further boiled down to 52 thematic strategies. These strategies are then aligned into five fundamental skills; encompassing a collective approach, building individual relationships, fragmentation, dynamic perspective and utilising feedback. We believe that through developing these skills that entrepreneurial leaders can better cultivate their own routines, activities and methods contingent to their particular circumstance and transaction set.