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Commitment compliments competence

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I was still a student when I attended a sermon where the key part of the message related to the commitment you display in serving. You rather allocate a task to someone who is committed to the task, than potentially the person that is best skilled or equipped for the specific task.   This was 20 odd years ago and there must be a reason why, to this day, I still remember this? Now that I have to manage people and processes for a living, my actual work has shifted from “doing” to a more “controlling” scenario. I am constantly looking for people who has a certain trait, skill, or competence to ensure that   the job gets done, but more often than not I find that the person who excels at the task is the one who grinds it out. The person who’s heart is in it, who believes in the bigger picture and knows that he or she does not know it all, and has to prove something.   So, what is it that we look for to ensure we get the “perfect” employee? Commitment and dedication – invest in pe
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The more things stay the same

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Do yourself the favour and Google the meaning of this saying. Wikipedia has it as: “ Turbulent changes do not affect reality on a deeper level other than to  cement  the  status quo .” There is even a song from Bon Jovi about it, with the same name: “The more things change the more they stay the same The more things change the more they stay the same Ah, is it just me or does anybody see The new improved tomorrow isn't what it used to be Yesterday keeps coming around, it's just reality It's the same damn song with a different melody The market keeps on crashing Tattered jeans are back in fashion Instead of records, now it's mp3s I tell you one more time with feeling Even though this world is reeling You're still you and I'm still me I didn't mean to cause a scene But I guess it's time to roll up our sleeves The more things change the more they stay the same The same sunrise, it's just another day If you hang in long
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Entrepreneurship

I have the fortune to work with some very intelligent people. I also have the fortune of working with some very experienced individuals. In certain cases, these are the same people. I a casual conversation I realised again that we are never to old, intelligent, experienced, or wise to learn something new. The only limiting factor to learning is ourselves. At Spesres we train students in entrepreneurship. We train students in theory of business, and how to set it up. We also endeavour to get students to start thinking about how they can start something where they are, with what they have and with the current skillset they possess. What we might lack, is the knowledge I gained from a casual conversation, so here goes For you to really be an entrepreneur you need 3 basic things: 1.        Believe in what you do You might be on to something great. It might be something that does not yet exist. Or it might exist, but not in your area. It might exist, and be in your a
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Do the right thing

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During the lockdown there are a million things on the internet, social media and WhatsApp doing the rounds to get people motivated and working. There are so many things getting us down: Potential financial impact of the lockdown, job losses, lack of exercise, loneliness, etc, etc, etc. No matter what we do and the plans we are trying to make, there are so many pitfalls and roadblocks around, that normal is no longer normal. We have to either compromise, adjust or get left behind. It's a harsh reality. During the past week I attended a Zoom briefing of Doxa Deo Brooklyn for small businesses, with an economic outlook of what is currently taking place as well as some practical advise to ensure you keep the boat afloat. The image below was relevant, especially the 3 points on the bottom right: To make it practical: Support people and businesses affected by lockdowns Proverbs 10 verse 9 reads: Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will
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So, what's next

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Reality, that's what is next! The reality is that the lockdown period is in all probability going to be extended. The government thus far overachieved in their efforts to contain COVID-19 in South Africa, showing what could be done if we unite and start driving strategy in one, unified direction. This is something that was only previously seen during the 1994 elections, the Rugby World Cup triumphs of the Springboks, en the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It is halfway through this 21 day lockdown today. We are getting there. The exponential growth has diminished and we are able to focus on getting back a portion of what a our previous reality was. Spesres , and our sister companies, would be able to help with that. During the week that lies ahead of us, we intend launching our New Venture Creation course online. This would assist our current students to continue their studies even during lockdown. One of the large mobile network providers is engineering reverse billi
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Keep sane

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Oh, how things have changed. With many of our social interactions limited, restricted or over a data line, our world is suddenly much smaller. Modern technology in airplanes, the internet, mobile phones etc made the world a very small, fast moving space. BUT, in a flash, that all changed. Some tips from the ever popular Craig Groeschel on how to stay sane and lead from home: Go to bed at the same time as normal - Keep a routine Set your alarm and get out of bed - Don't keep hitting snooze Shower, shave and get dressed - I promise you'll feel better Set 3 work goals - So you could feel like you got something done If you can't do much, do something that helps you grow - Don't waste your time watching too much Netflix Create a workspace - Get yourself in a mindset to work Take breaks - Like taking a walk Exercise - Sit ups, pull ups. lunges, anything Eat healthy - Stay on a normal rhythm Some very sound advice from a man that spews leadership. And somethi
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A new world order

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People are living in fear. People are scared. The fear of losing their lives, their loved ones, their work, their possessions. People fear the fact that things will change. As the saying goes, there is nothing to fear about change, but change itself. Remote working is at the order of the day. All companies that could continue with business in some shape or form is currently trying to establish ways and mechanisms to continue remotely. A Harvard Business Review highlights the following: Challenges of remote work: Lack of face-to-face supervision Lack of access to information Social isolation Distractions at home How managers can support remote employees: Establish structured daily check-ins Provide several different communication technology options establish rules of engagement provide opportunities for remote social interaction Offer encouragement and emotional support What is clear from the above it that no one actually can prepare you fully for remote work
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