Week 10

This week reading about the differences between an entrepreneur and an administer, promoter and a trustee type of manager I found myself thinking of specific bosses I have had as I went along.  Thinking about one of the individuals I have worked for there is one I can think of who fits perfectly in the entrepreneur/promoter category.  This individual always looked for ways to improve and be innovative.  He listened to employees recognizing abilities they may have that he may lack.  He embraced and appreciated what everyone of his employees brought to the team.

Thinking of another individual who I worked for who seemed to fit in the administrator/trustee category, he was threatened by his employees who excelled in areas he lacked.  His inability to recognize and appreciate the talents of his employees created an environment that lacked confidence, beginning with him and eventually out to his employees.  Those who were strong enough to not be affected by his weaknesses, eventually moved on to other opportunities.  As they left he seemed to feel like they betrayed him or should have been loyal to him.

I can say without a doubt that the individual who was an entrepreneur created an environment in our office where new ideas were embraced.  He took an office where turnover was extremely high to where no one was leaving and others were wanting to come work there.  The individual who was an administrator created an environment where employees felt constantly on edge and unsure.  Employees became paranoid about where they fit on the team, or if they would even be needed. 

Looking at both individuals and how the office functioned it is clear that being an entrepreneur can be more than someone who creates a business. It can be someone who is always looking for new ways to do things, ways to improve.  Even though an entrepreneur takes risks, the people around them seem to come together as a team, strong in their desire to succeed, but willing to find new ways to do it.