At Staff Training we think that the running of a country is a bit like the running of a business. If you have a clear vision and mission, a clear mandate, a solid understanding of what your WIGs (Wildly Important Goals) are, it is more likely that you will achieve them. But your challenge is to ensure that every goal in the organisation supports this ultimate goal.
So returning to the two largest opposition parties, they both had the same WIG during the recent municipal elections. To oust the ANC.
Going forward, however, the challenge they will face in a coalition is aligning the smaller project goals to their original organisational WIGs.
From what I can tell the DA is looking for equality and job creation. The EFF is looking for black empowerment and land. Is it possible that middle ground can be found?
These seemingly opposing goals are, however, constant challenges in the workplace. Sales want to increase turnover, production need machine downtime for maintenance. Procurement need to get the paperwork organised and workshops simply need the spares to get the job done. Customer Service staff need to render the quickest possible service but are unable to access the systems for the correct information. Medical Aid companies need to attract new clients with great benefits and payouts, but the sign-off on expenses needs to be kept to a minimum to ensure sustainability.
The only way to work through this issue is with what we call Scenario Planning. What will happen IF we do ABC? If you get your scenario planning wrong it is likely that you will become a victim of the law of unintended consequences.
To give you an example: With BBBEE the intention was pure. Address the wrongs of the past. Empower black South Africans so that they can receive an equal share of the economic pie. However, it has become clear that whilst the former is happening, there is an unintended consequence that no-one is mentioning.
As a result of the perception that white South African kids will never find employment, many white parents have encouraged their kids to become self-employed. Proportionally more than black parents I assume. The result of this encouragement to white youngsters born circa 1992 is that many of the start ups today are owned by white people. Who then do you think will remain in charge of our small- to middle-sized companies in South Africa for the next 10 years? In my thinking that is what we call the law of unintended consequences.
I wonder what unintended consequences our current coalition talks may bring about, or are our politicians good enough at scenario planning?
© Debbie Engelbrecht
Debbie is the CEO of Staff Training, a soft skills training company offering more than 60 short courses including a suite of management and leadership options. Find out more here.