Week 4: Reading Reflection (Chapter 5)

1). Something that stood out that was different from my expectations was the ways to train and develop right and left-hemisphere skills. At least for me, the processes associated with the left and right-hemispheres of the brain have always been talked about as skills that we were born with. For example, you are either seen as a very analytical or imaginative type of person. Viewing these skillsets as something that can be learned and trained is a different way to look at it to develop skills you may not be as good at.

2). I understood everything in the chapter fairly well, but the arenas of creativity were probably the hardest concept to grasp because it was a new way of examining the creative process. Although I have no questions in particular, it was different to break it down into seven individual arenas to recognize areas in which we can be creative.

3). My first question would be how did you come up with the characteristics of the creative climate? Although I agree with the characteristics listed, it seems to be a unique list of what the author believes makes a successful climate. IT also is unusual that many of the other bulleted lists are short and sweet, while this list is composed of 10 elements, which is more than usual. My second question would be why the creative process is so heavily linked with innovation? As you mentioned, there are four types of innovation, so it isn’t always a new idea coming to life. Although I think creativity often goes hand in hand, creativity is even part of the chapter title, so it is a major focus of this chapter.

4). There is nothing in particular that I completely disagree with. There are a few concepts that I think are better in theory and not as straightforward in the real-world, such as the creative process having four distinct phases, but I do agree that most processes follow that general path. As with anything we learn in a textbook, I think it is just important to put it into a real-life perspective and realize that even if it deviates slightly from the model, it follows the general trend and has many of the same themes.

Week 4: Top 5 World Problems

1). Ranking the top 5 problems from most to least serious:

            1. World hunger and poverty

            2. War and terrorism

            3. Overpopulation and high birth rates

            4. Energy and available resources

            5. Environmental degradation

2). Ranking the top 5 solutions from the most possible to least possible to implement:

            1. Energy and available resources- Investing money and research into other technologies such as solar, wind, and hydropower is essential to find other sources of power. We never want to reach a point where there is a crisis when we run out of resources we are so dependent on, so the best solution is trying to find other sources of energy that can be used in mass quantities so we can lessen reliance on nonrenewable resources. Our reliance on oil, coal, and other nonrenewable resources are a serious issue moving forward because those resources won’t be available forever.

            2. Environmental degradation- Solutions to help reverse some of this damage are the simple reduce, reuse, recycle that we have learned since elementary school. In that order, it is best to reduce the amount you use, reuse the items you can, and recycle any other items for other purposes. When each individual does their part, it can add up and provide a more stable future for upcoming generations.

            3. World hunger and poverty- Tackling world hunger has been at the top of the list for decades, and there is no simple solution. A large majority of financial aid does go toward feeding the hungry and I think it is important to do all we can to help. On a similar note, when donating money, be sure to find programs and charities where every penny goes toward the cause. You don’t want to be funding a program where the relief efforts hardly impact those you are trying to reach, so just be sure to do your research and send your money will it will make the most difference. I recently took a nonprofit leadership course, and this was a main topic of concern because it is important to fund the actual cause, not corporate headquarters.

            4. War and terrorism- Any act of terrorism is scary, but repeated attacks from the same group are when it becomes a reality that they are a major threat. The best way to go about being safe is just to trust that our government and security know what they’re doing, and to never put yourself in a compromising situation if possible. Doing your own part as an individual to stay safe and trust your own instincts is important as well. Although oversimplified, I feel that this is the most practical solution because it helps hold citizens responsible for themself. If you are on alert and continuously aware, it is the most basic way to increase awareness and safety. This solution does not stop terrorist attacks and will not end wars (that is why it is at the bottom), but if these things do occur, it is a way to do the best with what you are given.

            5. Overpopulation and high birth rates- The most practical solution here would just be to not take on more than you can handle if possible. Try to live in an affordable area and not have more children than you can afford to clothe, house, and feed. Obviously that is easier in theory and it’s not always practical to move or control how large your family is, but if every individual did their part, it would certainly help. Again, it is not possible to tell every person to follow a strict set of guidelines for number of children, where to live, family size, etc., but in theory, if every individual could do their part in some way, it could all add up and make an impact as a whole.

I chose world hunger and poverty as my top problem because you have to eat to survive. The percentage of the world that lives under the poverty line is still extremely high, and food is a basic necessity of life. All of factors listed are horrible, but don’t really matter if you are starving to death and won’t live long enough to make it to the next day. I chose investing money and research into other sources of renewable energy as the most practical solution because I feel like it is the most feasible solution on my list. Between solar power, hydropower, wind energy, etc. there are numerous underutilized sources of energy that are yet to be used to their full potential. We need to back away from our reliance on oil, coal, and other nonrenewable sources of energy, and that is an area that we could see results begin to pay off quickly.

Week 3: Identifying Local Opportunities

Article 1: Homelessness

Title: Harsh treatment towards homeless sadly nothing new in Florida

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=1519C3C9E1778910&p_docnum=6&p_queryname=2

The article discusses the problem of homelessness throughout Florida, and the harsh treatment toward homeless people. It is actually illegal in Florida to feed a homeless person, and is prosecuted as a criminal offense. In short, it discusses the public perception and legal consequences of feeding the homeless.

The problem is homelessness. This is something that we have all experienced first hand. Unfortunately, not everyone is privileged enough to have a roof over their head, so some people have to live on the streets.

It is a problem for everyone because not only could you potentially be living on the streets if economic conditions were bad enough, but it is human nature to have a heart and feel bad for the people who got there. They may be collecting governmental assistance, which you are contributing to in part, so I feel like it impacts everyone in some way. The actual homeless people and government who created these ordinances have the most direct roles, but to some degree, it affects us all.

Article 2: Shopping Local

Title: Shopping from smaller and home-based businesses this holiday season

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=133AE4E76B21FA18&p_docnum=3&p_queryname=5

The article discusses shopping local as an alternative to department stores and megastores, to support your local economy. It also has a more unique selection of items and helps to fund your local community.

The problem presented is shopping from local businesses instead of larger chain retail stores. Funding the local economy is becoming increasingly important, and it is a great opportunity to encourage local spending to keep money circulating throughout ones own community.

This is a problem for small business owners who have to compete with larger chains. There prices are often a lot lower, so many local establishments are closing because they can no longer compete.

Article 3: Social media

Title: How to benefit from social media

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=138309C3F24F49A8&p_docnum=2&p_queryname=6

The article discusses the use of social media as an asset for an individual or business. Creating a bond and relationship with potential customers, marketing and branding your company name, and personalizing your image are among many of the benefits.

The problem is keeping up with technological advances and ensuring your business is up to date with major trends. Social media is a major craze right now, and is a great way to communicate with others if used effectively.

Those who do not use social media or use it ineffectively have the problem. As a current trend, it is important to maximize the potential of businesses. It is important to take advantage of social media and use it as a tool for branding and marketing.

Article 4: Special Education

Title: Be positive about their future

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13A6F689A4946140&p_docnum=2&p_queryname=10

This article talks about the importance of special education and ESE curriculum in schools. It also discusses the significance of remaining positive and how to cope with special needs children.

The opportunity here is bettering special needs programs and education. In addition, it is educating the public and outreach on how they can help.

The portion of the public that is uneducated about special needs has the problem. It is essential that people take the time to educate themselves and don’t judge what they don’t understand.

Article 5: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Title: Live Green: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=AWNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=13424EF8B87D97F8&p_docnum=2&p_queryname=12

This article gives conservation tips on how to do your part in eliminating some personal waste. Each tip helps to save the environment and helps your budget to save money in the process.

The problem presented is environmental conservation and lessening our environmental footprint. It is important because we have a limited number of resources and need to help save the planet for future generations to come.

Again, this is an issue for everyone because we can all help to contribute and lessen our impact on the world for future generations. By using the tips in the article, every individual can contribute in some way to make small changes that all add up over time.

Week 3: Reading Reflection (Chapter 2)

1). The biggest surprise to me was how detailed the author was about the “dark side of entrepreneurship”. Many people may tell you it’s challenging and stressful, but don’t often go into detail as to why. By mentioning the financial, career, social, and psychic risk, entrepreneurial stress is actually defined in a way that is relatable.

2). Nothing in particular was confusing, although I wish the author would have gone into a little more detail about the four types of morally questionable acts because that was a new concept to me. I thought it was an interesting way to separate out morally questionable acts and the table was effective in showing the direct effect and examples of each type. Because it was a new way to classify these, I wish there were even more details because I found it interesting.

3). Why focus so much on ethics? I agree it is essential to become successful through morally and ethically responsible actions, but I would ask why there is such a push to have pages and pages on ethical responsibility and leadership. I would also ask how did you came up with the characteristics attributed to entrepreneurs? I would agree with those listed, but how were these criteria defined.

4). I disagree with a few parts of the entrepreneurial ego section. I think that although many entrepreneurs have a strong desire for control, they are also extremely adaptable because they are in such an unstable environment that they have to be flexible. Another part of that section states that there is a sense of distrust. While that is true in many cases, I also think that many entrepreneurs rely on each other in many instances because they share many similar struggles. They don’t necessarily trust everyone, but they use their connections and networks with others to remain successful.

Week 3: Very Short Interview Number 1

I interviewed Tim Jansen, who was my boss for three years in Tallahassee, FL. He is a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor who opened his own law firm almost 20 years ago. He is best known for his work with high profile clients, especially Florida State athletes, including Jameis Winston. He and his partner own Jansen and Davis, P.A. where they handle criminal defense cases in Leon and the surrounding counties. With hundreds of trials and hearings to his name, he has obtained numerous acquittals in both state and federal courts. He is an entrepreneur because not only did he start his own business, but he was one of the first attorneys to specialize in an area of law and only take cases relating to his expertise.

1). What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

“I would say it is the pursuit of your on dreams on your own terms. It is setting your own rules and defining a standard that you want to hold yourself accountable to.”

Working as an extern, intern, runner, and legal assistant, I served many roles within the firm and had the privilege of seeing him interact in many different environments. His name is known throughout the nation as one of the nation’s top criminal defense attorney’s because he set his own standard of what he believed an attorney could be.

2). What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur? 

“Obviously I knew it wouldn’t be easy starting my own form, but I wish there were people who taught more of the people skills and less of the business side. You constantly hear that business skills can be developed, but the human interaction and personality dynamic are essential to develop and train before getting thrown in to your own practice.”

3). What advice would you give to anyone that is looking to become an entrepreneur?

“Just as you learned working with me, I would say to surround yourself with people who push you, and to never settle. If I were content with where I started, there would have been no growth and no Jansen and Davis law firm. There has to be an underlying passion, but ultimately if you want it bad enough, you create your own success.”

I look up to him both personally and professionally. He is a great boss and family friend. I learned that his passion ultimately motivates him and he thrives on success. It was a unique experience to ask my boss such personal questions, and I feel like I have a better insight as to how he got to where he is today.