Session 5 was about Professionalism. We had to take some tests to know how we would be scoring on being a manager or being an entrepreneur. The first test I took was the entrepreneurial test. My scores were all in the vicinity of the red line which meant the border of being a good entrepreneur. On the managerial test I scored 77/100.

 

I would really like to set up my own business once, but I am not going to do this without a solid plan, because I just cannot afford to lose all my money. However, I am also not afraid to fail, which is a good asset for an entrepreneur. The case is though, that an idea does not just come flying into your arms.

Nevertheless, I already have an idea to set up a transportation company. I have asked some people who have a transportation company to help me in mapping out my idea, but I am going to wait until my exams are over before starting with it. I also have the idea to start a new beer, together with Nino and Thomas.

 

I am confident that my ideas can work out pretty well. Now, to come back on the tests, I do not think you can be a good entrepreneur if you are a bad manager. The biggest and most important difference is, in my opinion, that an entrepreneur is extremely close to his company and that it is difficult to let other people handle things for you. The reason is that as an entrepreneur, your money is in the company and that is exactly which is at stake. Also, an entrepreneur is driven by his passion for the firm, while a manager is not always driven by passion. For me, passion is important, but even more are decisiveness and persuasion. As I am a very goal-oriented person I think the goal justifies the means (until a certain extent of course). This also means that I sometimes have to make decisions that are not so well received by everybody.  

 

Leadership styles:

In the leadership style test I scored highest on the coaching style. I was expecting this, because I think that you have to give people freedom, but still give them feedback. Also, coaching causes people to remain motivated. Motivation together with efficiency are the keys to success, in my opinion. I believe, however, that the four leadership styles have to be combined. A combination of them will work best, because if a team works correctly and delivers good results, you have to treat them differently than a team who is not working at all.

 

My dream job:

I want to become a director of a transportation company or HR/ Sales Manager in the automotive sector. Is this possible? Yes, I believe it is. Entrepreneurs are wanted by many companies. Therefore, I could first start my transportation company and sell it after a certain amount of years. Then I could try to get my way into the automotive sector.