Instructor Resource
Neck, Entrepreneurship, 1e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Chapter Exercises and Projects
Chapter 3: Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Chapter Learning Objectives:
3.2 Define “mindset” and explain its importance to entrepreneurs.
3.4 Explain how to develop the habit of creativity.
3.6 Relate the mindset for entrepreneurship to entrepreneurial action.
Proposed Activities
Activity 1: Mindset and Girt
(This can be done solo or as a team exercise; it can be used for online, face–to-face, or a
blended format)
In a fixed mindset, people perceive their talents and abilities as set traits. They believe
that brains and talent alone are enough for success and go through life with the goal of
looking smart all the time. On the other hand, in a growth mindset, people believe that
their abilities can be developed through dedication, effort, and hard work. Compare the
growth mindset to Duckworth’s research on Grit. Why is grit an important quality for
the entrepreneur?
Watch:
Learning Objectives:
3.1 Appraise the effectiveness of mindset in entrepreneurship.
3.2 Define “mindset” and explain its importance to entrepreneurs.
Activity 2: Emotional Intelligence
(This can be done solo or as part of a team exercise or live discussion; it can be used for
online, face-to-face, or a blended format)
While there is no one clear definition of mindset and how it relates to entrepreneurs,
we believe the most accurate meaning of an entrepreneurial mindset is the ability to
Learning Objectives:
3.1 Appraise the effectiveness of mindset in entrepreneurship.
3.3 Explain how to develop the habit of self-leadership.
Activity 3: Metacognitive Exercise
(Solo research exercise or can be done in pairs; it can be used for online, face-to-face, or
a blended format)
Entrepreneurs regularly engage in metacognitive processes to adapt to changing
circumstances by thinking about alternative routes to take and choosing one or more
strategies based on these options. Metacognitive awareness is part of the mindset; and
it is not something that we are born with; it can be developed over time through
continuous practice.
Instructor Resource
Neck, Entrepreneurship, 1e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
What did you learn? What descriptions are consistent with the mindset of an
entrepreneur?
Learning Objectives:
3.3 Explain how to develop the habit of self-leadership.
3.6 Relate the mindset for entrepreneurship to entrepreneurial action.
Activity 4: Promote Growth Mindset
(This can be done solo or as a team exercise; it can be used for online, face–to-face, or a
blended format)
Although many of us tend to exhibit one mindset or the other, it is important to
Example:
FIXED MINDSET: “If you fail, people will laugh at you.”
GROWTH MINDSET: “Give me the name of one successful person who never
experienced failure at one time or another.”
Learning Objectives:
3.1 Appraise the effectiveness of mindset in entrepreneurship.
3.3 Explain how to develop the habit of self-leadership.
3.5 Explain how to develop the habit of improvisation.
Instructor Resource
Neck, Entrepreneurship, 1e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Activity 5: Improvisation
(This can be done solo or as a team exercise; it can be used for online, face–to-face, or a
blended format)
Example:
I have an idea (present idea)
E.g. I have an idea to substitute seating on airplanes with supported standing;
Learning Objectives:
3.4 Explain how to develop the habit of creativity.
3.6 Relate the mindset for entrepreneurship to entrepreneurial action.