Week 4 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

I was very impressed in the writing that the author began to discuss the left and right brain relationships and how both presentation and problem solving could be impacted by the different ways in which the brain operated. 

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I’m slightly confused by the constant turning the author does between the concept of “Aiming High” but “Starting Small.”  It was the same in last weeks reading where the levels of entrepreneurial success need to be more defined.  Intrapreneurs; small business owners; and software giants are all entrepreneurial in nature and the book doesn’t do a very good job of showing the correlation.  

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

I would ask for more right-brain activities for the purpose of growing my skills in business.  I believe that while left-sided thought is well rewarded to a point; however, if you don’t have skills in both sides then you will reach a cap in any venture.

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

I disagree with their assessment on stereotyping.  Not that I believe stereo typing is accurate or appropriate; the connotation of the word is horrible and the typical practical application of it is biased or prejudiced in nature.  That said here is their example:

“one could hypothesize that the average homemaker is female, 38 years old, and 5’4” tall; weighs 120 pounds; and has two children, a part-time job, and 14.5 years of formal education.  If one tried to find a person who fits this description, however, the chances of success would be small.”

Assuming that this is a relatively accurate average; the stereotype here isn’t that the above is accurate more times than not.  Statistics tells us that 90% of the “truth” would be within two or three standard deviations of the average.  So you’d find a high majority between the ages of 35 and 41; between 5’2” and 5’6”; having between 1 and 3 children; etc.  The assumption in the above statement is that most “homemakers” won’t stray too far from that average.  There will be 6’ tall 210 pound males will 4 children and no job… that will not be the “normal;” however, as that becomes more normal so too will the average change.