It’s often said that entrepreneurs see the world differently.
It has been observed that entrepreneurs have a higher tolerance for risk. They are also able to see opportunity where others might only see peril. Or, at least, that’s the common wisdom.
They are said to be creative, right-brain thinkers, big-picture people.
This is an assumption I’d like to test.
When we interview a new prospective employee at Anthill we ask the following question…
Q1: If a turtle loses his shell, is he naked or homeless?
Of course, there is no correct answer. But the thought process behind the answer can tell you a lot about a person. Ask a friend what they think the answer is and how they reached their conclusion.
You’ll see what I mean. 🙂
We also have a simple way to test honesty. (Entrepreneurs are often said to be inherently flexible on matters of honesty, a vastly erroneous claim in our experience.)
Here’s a factual scenario: My sister lost her purse eight times between the ages of 12 and 18 (true story).
Q2: How many times do you think the purse was returned?
Q3: Of the times the purse was returned, how many times do you think it still contained her money?
The answer will depend on your level of trust and distrust, which is usually a reflection of your own capacity for honesty (the degree to which you might have been tempted to do the wrong thing if you had found the purse).
For example, ask a child under 10 this question and then ask a gentleman of eighty. You’ll get a vastly different answer. Ask a priest, then a criminal and you’ll find a similar disparity.
So, how did you rate? How many times did my big sis’ get her purse back?
Eight out of eight.
How many times did the purse still contain her money?
Eight of eight (again).
So, here’s my final test. And I’m seeking your participation (through an online poll).
Below you’ll see an image of a girl turning.
But is she turning clockwise or anti-clockwise?
If clockwise is your answer, then you use more of the right side of your brain (the creative side). If she is turning anti-clockwise, then you use more of the left side of your brain (the analytical side). Most people see the dancer turning anti-clockwise.
But what is the natural reaction of the Australian innovator and entrepreneur?
Help us find out by taking part in our online poll. Are entrepreneurs left brain or right brain thinkers? Is the girl turning clockwise or anti-clockwise? To join us in our not-so-scientific experiment, click here.
