Week 4 Reading Reflection - Innovation: The Creative Pursuit of Ideas

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? 

The biggest surprise for me was learning that creative behaviors can be learned and do not necessarily have to be innate. It seems as though certain people possess creative habits while others simply do not. I find it reassuring, yet surprising, that the creative nature can be obtained through education.

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

One part of the reading that was confusing was the part about the “eureka factor” of the idea experience. Phase 3: The Idea Experience blended in with Phase 2: The Incubation Process due to the fact that many people do not realize they are moving from phase 2 to phase 3. 

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

The first question I would ask the author would be: Where did you come up with the list to the creative exercises and what are some of the examples of their functions, or complements? This is an interesting exercise, but I think it would be helpful to see some examples of functions to some of the items listed. The other question I would ask the author would be: How does knowing about the operations of the left and right brains strengthen the entrepreneur? It is nice knowing about the facts about the left and right brain in people, but knowing how to master each side or knowing how to tap into each would be extremely helpful in becoming a more powerful entrepreneur. 

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

One thing that I somewhat disagreed with the author about was the either/or thinking train of mind. I feel like personal lives do not have to be filled with “a great deal of uncertainty and ambiguity,” but rather filled with a schedule that a person is flexible with. There is a difference between not having a set schedule and having a great deal of certainty in one’s day, but being able to go with the flow when needed.