adminbreaking point.
Circumstances drove the entire nation into a survival mode where the default mindset became that of living for the immediate and never worrying about the long to medium- term.
This, however, changed with the introduction of the multi-currency economic system in February 2009.
The system brought the tumultuous period of hyperinflation, shortages and uncertainty to an end.
The multi-currency system was bolstered by the inclusive Government, which helped to stabilise the economy further.
The survival mode mind-set that was acceptable under the hyperinflationary era had to give way to normalcy.
One of the biggest challenges the country faces at the moment is the over emphasis on entrepreneurship as a way forward.
This in itself is not a bad thing for Zimbabwe. The country indeed needs people who think big, people who are self-starters and trailblazing-business – rabble-rouser, people who see themselves at the top of multi-million dollar empires which they build on their own.
This, however, has to be done with a dose of the reality pill.
The problem at the moment is that entrepreneurship is being confused as a career path. Entrepreneurship is not a career or a practice.
Unfortunately there has been an overdose of the “working for myself” mantra that the country is almost no longer producing people wishing to pursue a career under the guidance of an established player.
Most young people going through
college and university see themselves as preparing for a life as a self-employed businessperson.
When they are fortunate to get a job, most time is spent studying how they start a similar business. As a result, employees who take frontline ownership and leadership in companies are now few.
In life, just as in the military, you have to “earn your stripes” to get to the top.
Every stripe is confirmation of a certain level of achievement. One does not join the army one-day and become a general the next.
Leadership begins with the ability to be led. The idea that one can wake up one day and think that if they call themselves an entrepreneur, they are a business should be nipped in the bud.
The world’s most successful entrepreneurs came up with either a history defining service or unique solution to a problem.
It is the unique product or service that comes first before you are an entrepreneur not the other way.
Entrepreneurial history is littered with individuals who developed some kind of an idea or concept out of passion and belief that they would solve a global problem. That idea or concept then became the business and an entrepreneur was born.
Zimbabweans especially the younger generation needs to thoroughly understand the importance of a certain level servitude.
The lessons learnt while scrubbing floors for a little wage at a restaurant while in university will be crucial for survival in one’s professional life.
Zimbabwe’s most successful business people and entrepreneurs almost all started small at some large organisation.
While it is acknowledged that employment opportunities are few and far between, the spirit of being prepared to serve your apprenticeship under someone else is key if the nation is to progress.
Everyone cannot be a boss. Someone at some point will have to work for someone. The country simply needs leaders serving other leaders.
Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Google, Virgin, Dell, Disney and closer home Econet, Kingdom Bank, TN, Africom are all examples of businesses started by entrepreneurs who either spend some time learning a certain trade in another organisation or developed that unique product or service.
Find a place to earn your stripes and the rest will take care of itself.
- Pascal Nyasha is a motivational speaker and training consultant. He is founder of the Leadership Institute Africa. He is the author of an inspirational book, ‘Reaching new horizons’. Call 0773 003 912 or email: [email protected]. You can also connect with Pascal on facebook.
Online Reporter