13A - Reading Reflection

I read "Shoe Dog" By Phil Night

1) I was surprised how crazy the story is. Phil Knight, the author, had a passion and just decided to go for it. He went to Asia, out of all places, and conveniently got the opportunity to meet with the CEO of a large Japanese manufacturer. That is where “Blue ribbon” was born. And after sending just one round of samples to his mentor, he found a partner. 

I admire the management style of Phil Knight. I believe that being hands-off, and just telling people what to do, is overall more effective than trying to micromanage everything. I see this practice effective in many parts of my life, especially when I am doing group work.  

I least admired how all he seemed to care about profits. His first mission was to create a high end, low cost shoe line. To me, that sounds like he just wants to make money off of cheap goods by selling them at a high price. Additionally, with all of the issues at sweatshops, Phil Knight came off as a tad greedy.

He encountered very small sales in the beginning, only making 8,000 after selling out of his trunk at track meets for a whole year. Additionally, it took over a year to get the first round of shoe samples when the company first started. Despite these initial issues, Phil Knight was very confident and persistent in trying to make the business work. He still sent out the samples and had his partner coach more people to get more units sold. 

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

Phil Knight appears to be competent in a number of fields. He is an intelligent man, that was able to create a business from a small idea. He is always a team player, shown through his management style and wanting people to excel as well. He was very hardworking, and strived to surround himself with likeminded people. 

3) I was genuinely confused why the Japanese CEO decided to meet with him. Typically, things like that don’t happen. It was crazy how that moment was the beginning of his great business. 

4) What was your craziest investment?

If you could go back in time, what would you change about your business? 

I would ask these questions because it is always interesting what people have to say when reflecting on the initial stages of their businesses. 

5) I think Phil Knight’s opinion of hard work was never giving up, and I share that opinion. He never stopped trying and worked hard to get his business going. Those traits are critical in bringing any career to a successful point.