adminHR column Hector Moyo
I AM a student of the systems approach, a concept that recognises the fact that there are sub-subsystems that form subsystems, and subsystems that eventually form systems, through linkages. All of us should have some idea about these arrangements if we are able to recall the sets and subsets we learnt in our high school mathematics syllabus. Intriguing as it was, I used to find that component of the syllabus logical and interesting.
I always think about the systems approach when I reflect on the word “nation”. Where does nation start and end. To cut a long story short, nation begins with you and me and ends with him and her. I forgot to add a proviso for the systems approach methodology- there has to be a conceptual boundary, otherwise you can go on and on. Similarly, when looking at the term “nation”, you should end when all nationals have been accounted for! Today we want to look at some of the additional functions of the HR practitioner. The good HR practitioner by the way, should not only be domiciled in the office, otherwise he loses touch with the broader aspects of this noble calling. I now call it a calling, after discovering that the job of HR practitioners only comes next to that of pastors. You cannot be a good pastor if you do not have capacity to reach out. Similarly, you cannot be a good HR practitioner if you have no capacity to reach out.
Tell us, where was your latest outreach columnist. I did not say that I am a good HR practitioner, dear reader!
Additional attributes of a good HR practitioner
Allow me to start by outlining some of the attributes of a good HR practitioner, outside of the normal call of duty. The following become critical; visiting sick work colleagues, attending funerals of late colleagues, checking on pensioners, etc. The relationship between a company and its employees should trace the employee back to his roots, I say via the HR practitioner. The above stated, however, does not directly constitute nation building but constitutes company building!
What else should an HR practitioner be involved in?
Events of the last few weeks have made me absolutely happy and left me feeling that I contribute towards nation building in a meaningful way as an HR practitioner. Two NUST students (Marcia and Nkosilathi), attached to the organisation I work for in the last year, recently sent me sms messages informing me that they had attained distinctions for their attachment year. Further, three JM Poly students (Mellisa and Nigel and Ntandoyenkosi ) made fantastic power-point presentations that left the lecturers so much impressed. All these students had the “professor” to thank. What I have just described is serious contribution towards nation building, dear reader. The above, however, is not the major component of today’s writing. My thrust today is more on our schools and school children. I am the author of the “Bringing Schools Nearer Industry” career guidance with a difference in the Matabeleland Province. This year the event was in its fourth year. Next year, God willing, we ought to take the event into its fifth year.
There is another dimension that a good HR practitioner should engage in – being Guest of Honor at Speech and Prize days in high schools. Unfortunately, you do not invite yourself to these esteemed occasions – but maybe you do, indirectly, through your good works!
It was therefore with a deep sense of humility and honour that I drove the ageing Gaia to deep down Manama High School over the past weekend, to preside as guest of honour at their speech and prize occasion. Space prevents me from giving a full journalistic coverage of the occasion. Suffice to say well done to Headmaster TJ Muleya, his staff, SDC committee members, parents and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe for setting up a shining lamp in rural Matabeleland South province. The lamp is now powered by a solar powered back-up system.
We shared a lot of things with the Manama community and students. It was indeed heartening to note that the HR column is not a stranger to this community. We also shared the fact that they should continue sending their students to the industry based career guidance annual event.
What else did you share columnist? I naturally found myself showing them the cover of my forthcoming book Passing the Baton Stick, ahead of the official launch of the book. I am sorry but I am not good at keeping secrets – I had to do it, as the book is dedicated to the youths of our nation anyway. The book is indeed an HR practitioner’s humble way of contributing towards nation building.
Take home this week?
Schools, you are doing a sterling job developing our children. Keep it up and please do reach out for the good HR practitioners (and other practitioners) to assist you. My Bible tells me that “as a man speaketh, so shall it be”. My take home from Manama High was a gift of a sheep (imvu meeh) from the school and SDC, for being Guest of Honor. Which school wants me for next year, or anytime for that matter – I am available!!
On this very positive note, it is time for me to rest my school children inspired case for today. Send your views to e-mail address hecandbe@ gmail.com or sms 0777556081
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