What is it that makes entrepreneurs risk takers? A new study in Nature magazine might provide an answer:
this ability to make quick decisions under stress "may have evolutionary value as a means of seizing opportunities in a rapidly changing environment".
It also suggested that as risk-taking and quick decision-making were linked to the neurotransmitter dopamine, there is a possibility that drugs could be developed that the naturally risk-adverse could take.
Professor Barbara Sahakian, lead author of the research, said the findings "raise the question of whether one could enhance entrepreneurship pharmacologically".
She added: "This study has shown that not all risk-taking is disadvantageous, particularly when combined with enhanced flexible problem solving. In fact, risky decision-making is an essential part of the entrepreneurial process and may be possible to teach, particularly in young adults where higher risk-taking is likely and age-appropriate."
If you’re an entrepreneur, you have a natural adaptive advantage, USE IT!
