They are about improving next year's output by 5 percent. They are more focused on building intellectual properties. They're more risk averse, more long-term oriented. While businesspeople aren't always one or the other, most do lean one way or the other, Thompson says. Often, they don't get along, or even like each other.
Pioneers think settlers move too slow.
And settlers think pioneers are out of control. Pioneers hand businesses off to settlers and pioneer new businesses all over again. If you're an entrepreneur, odds are greater your start-up company will probably not grow into a sizable enterprise. But your skill set may be challenged, regardless. If you find that running your company is no longer fun, and if business is stagnating after several early years of growth and success, it may mean the company has outgrown you, no matter what size it is.