Great intrapreneurs are the secret powerhouses of successful organizations. They’re organized, dependable, and hardworking individuals who consistently follow through on their commitments and keep their projects on track.
This is part 7 in a series of articles taking a look at the eight key characteristics that stand out in intrapreneurs. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be disciplined and conscientious, why these traits are crucial for intrapreneurs, and three simple steps you can take to cultivate these qualities in your own life. Let’s dive in!

Unveiling the Secrets of Discipline and Conscientiousness
Discipline and conscientiousness are essential traits for intrapreneurs who want to bring their ideas to life. But what do these terms really mean?
In the OCEAN model of personality, conscientiousness is one of the five major traits. It represents a person’s ability to be organized, dependable, and focused on their goals. People who score high in conscientiousness are known to be hardworking, detail-oriented, and responsible. On the other hand, those who score low in this area might struggle with staying organized, keeping commitments, and maintaining a strong work ethic.
The Importance of Conscientiousness for Intrapreneurs: Reaping the Benefits
Being conscientious is vital for intrapreneurs because it allows them to effectively manage their time, resources, and energy to achieve their goals. By being disciplined and conscientious, you can:
- Enhance productivity
With a strong work ethic and commitment to your projects, you can accomplish more in less time. - Improve decision-making
A conscientious intrapreneur weighs the pros and cons before making choices, which helps minimize mistakes and ensures better results. - Build trust and credibility
When you follow through on your commitments, your colleagues and superiors will trust you and view you as a dependable team player.
Roadblocks to Conscientiousness: Unveiling the Challenges
Overcommitment
One of the biggest obstacles to being conscientious is taking on too many responsibilities. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s tempting to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way. But when you stretch yourself too thin, you risk not being able to give your best to any of your tasks.
Remember, it’s better to do a few things exceptionally well than to tackle numerous tasks at a subpar level. By focusing on what truly matters and setting realistic goals for yourself, you can become more disciplined and conscientious.
Procrastination
Delaying tasks can result in missed deadlines and poor performance. Tackle this habit by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting clear deadlines for each one.
Lack of clear goals
Without well-defined goals, it’s difficult to stay disciplined and focused. When goals are vague, it’s hard to know where to focus your efforts. This alone can lead to procrastination. But it’s worse than that; a lack of specific targets makes it challenging to accurately assess your progress and recognize your achievements – and these two elements are essential to maintain your motivation and drive to succeed in your intrapreneurial pursuits.
Three Simple Steps to Cultivate Discipline and Conscientiousness
Ready to embrace your inner intrapreneur? Here are three easy tips to help you become more disciplined and conscientious:
- Prioritize effectively
Evaluate your tasks based on their importance and urgency, and tackle the most critical ones first. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your efforts are directed where they’re needed most. To get started, create a to-do list at the beginning of each day or week and categorize tasks by priority using a standardised system. Two good ones to consider are the Eisenhower Matrix and the 4 Ds method. - Develop routines
Establish consistent daily routines to support your productivity and discipline. For example, set aside dedicated time for brainstorming, strategizing, and reviewing progress on your projects. To begin, identify the most productive times of your day, and block off those periods in your calendar to work on your highest-priority tasks, ensuring that you build a habit of focusing on important projects during your peak hours. - Practice self-reflection
Regularly assess your performance and identify areas for improvement. By holding yourself accountable, you’ll be more inclined to follow through on your commitments and maintain a strong work ethic. Start by setting aside 10-15 minutes at the end of each day or week to review your progress, noting what went well, where you faced challenges, and what actions you can take to improve in the future.
Embrace Your Intrapreneurial Journey
Becoming a conscientious and disciplined intrapreneur isn’t an overnight process, but with patience, persistence, and dedication, you can develop the skills needed to bring your ideas to fruition. Not only will you be more organized and dependable, but you’ll also enjoy increased collaboration and adaptability.
Remember, learning to say ‘no’ selectively, focusing on a few high-impact tasks and cultivating routines and self-reflection will go a long way in helping you become the successful and innovative intrapreneur you aspire to be. So, take charge, invest in your personal growth, and watch your ideas flourish!
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If you’re passionate about becoming more intrapreneurial you’ll definitely want to check-out the Intrapreneurship Mastery Programme. This cohort-based coaching and training programme offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset of attendees. Or, contact us if you have specific needs you want to discuss.