Question: From the previous question it continues here: Make Time For Self-reflection-The first step, Keltner suggests, is developing a greater sense of self-awareness and appreciation that
From the previous question it continues here:
Make Time For Self-reflection-The first step, Keltner suggests, is developing a greater sense of self-awareness and appreciation that our thoughts and actions can have far-reaching consequences. Meta-cognitive studies in neuroscience9 have shown that thinking about our thoughts and reflecting on our feelings and emotions can give rise to greater control of our actions. For example, recognition of feelings of euphoria, joy, and confidence can engage parts of our brain that help us keep in check irrational behaviour based on those feelings. It also helps with negative feelings such as anger and aggression when things dont work out. Keltner suggests that we can build this self-awareness through daily meditation and mindfulness practices. Research shows that even just a few minutes each day spent in a quiet space focusing on repetitive breathing patterns, for example, can lead to greater focus, control, and calmness under pressure. We can practice this throughout our day too. For example, in between tasks, take time to close out that last task by pausing for a few minutes. Take a few deep breaths, and think about the next task and how you would like it to go for you and others. Then proceed. Practice Empathy, Gratitude, & Generosity-Working with corporate executives, Keltner emphasises the importance of human factors, empathy, gratitude, and generosity that he says have shown to sustain benevolent leadership. These attributes of leadership, when executed authentically, bring about a sense of unity in the team or organisation. They suggest that someone cares that we are a part of something important and good. Ruling with an iron fist might get things done but at what cost? Keltner suggests that expressing appreciation, showing tolerance and understanding, and simple generosity acts lead to higher employee engagement and productivity. Keltner suggests that to cultivate empathy, gratitude and generosity, entrepreneurial leaders should; Listen with your ears, eyes and body. Put the blinkers on, so to speak, convey genuine interest and engage. When someone comes with a problem, try to empathise with the language of understanding. Take on board whats being said and void knee-jerk reactions. Recognise good work when you see it, no matter how small. Send them an email, or better still, say it face to face. Publicly acknowledge the work someone has done. Delegate high-level responsibilities. Avoid taking the credit be humble, and be inclined to give that credit to others. Some Final Thoughts Im for working for oneself over being an employee. I believe there are few better means by which human beings can develop themselves professionally, technically, and personally. Working for oneself brings great fulfilment, even if it proves to be the greatest challenge you have ever undertaken. It affords us the freedom to be creative and innovative without the boundaries of organizational structure we create our own boundaries. We direct our own energies and command our own work. Self-employment, entrepreneurship in its purest form, insists that we take responsibility for ourselves, but it also insists that we consider how our work impacts other people. This is a kind of socially-minded entrepreneurship, one that is driven by curiosity and interest in the work rather than the profit that can be extracted from the labour of others. When the ends become so important as to justify the means, we know we have lost our way. Money and profit should never be the reason to enter business IMO if they are, it wont last. A sustainable way of life comes from an honourable starting point: the work itself, the service, and the product. The joy must be in the work itself and not the material ends the applause, reward, status or power. When money becomes the aim, as we have seen in the example above, all kinds of insane justifications creep into our decision making processes. Self-deception takes over, and unethical practices are not far behind. Why do we go into business? What is it about the entrepreneurial notion that attracts us? Is it money, control, status, or power? Is there something so absent in us that we are prepared to spoof, tell half-truths, and manipulate people toward our own ends? The term unethical behaviour seems sterile when we see the extents to which our lack of humanity can go for the sake of profit. It just doesnt seem to capture the tragic and painful reality that transpired for hundreds of people due to Fords cost-benefit analysis in the Pinto case. I believe it doesnt need to be this way. The capitalist imperative is a very strong field of force, and once we've been captured by it, we are poised to lose ourselves. Sure, go into business for yourselfpursue your personal and business goalsbut never lose sight of your humanity. The Ford Pinto case serves as testimony to the obscenities we bring about when we forget who and what we are.
Question: After reading the above article please answer the question posed at the very end: Why do we go into business? What is it about the entrepreneurial notion that attracts us? Is it money, control, status, or power? Is there something so absent in us that we are prepared to spoof, tell half-truths, and manipulate people toward our own ends? The term unethical behavior seems sterile when we see the extents to which our lack of humanity can go for the sake of profit. And secondly write a one page reflection - include what resonated with you after reading this piece. How do your values and thoughts compare?
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts
