adminHR Column Hector Moyo
In today’s article, we want to interrogate some limitations we unnecessarily impose on ourselves, by having limited options. These options relate to most of the things we do in life, where the majority of us have developed a “Plan A only” mindset, sometimes with disastrous consequences. What happens if plan A fails- does the world suddenly have to come to an end?
Before I go any further, I would like to thank all those who found the article I penned a few weeks ago (“there is a race…”), both inspiring and educational – thanks to the youths in particular. One of them found me playing that Jabu Hlongwane/Sipho Makhabane song going by the same name, and smilingly quipped “is that where you got the inspiration from”? Be my guest, dear youth.
Indeed, it is very true that we are all running different races in life, and we must for sure, win them, if they are premised in the positive! There again, lies the challenge, is it always possible to win all of them? Continuous improvement and dedication to the identified cause, becomes the answer.
Some concepts we learn
There are some concepts we learn in life, and certainly in the corporate world, where it has become a dog eat dog situation, at the worst of times. Creativity becomes the name of the game. Bosses will require of us to develop the main plan (plan A) and also plan B (the fall back plan). If the boss is really into serious issues, he might ask for plans C and D or even plan F, but that would be stretching it, in my view!
These plans (A, B, C, D, etc.) are scenarios, in simple language. These are issues of strategy and strategic planning, where an individual or teams, is/are required to come up with a number of alternative plans for doing something or solving a given problem. This is done before the best option is selected for implementation, usually based on a variety of criteria.
Advantages of having an options, mindset
Scenario building is basically meant to stretch ones’ mind, in order to come up with as many alternatives, as is practical. This ensures that we do not get stuck, if the one selected option fails to succeed — you simply go for the next best alternative. The beauty of this methodology is that you do not stress, nor waste time — you simply switch over. Flexibility/adaptability become the way of life — how nice.
Earthly challenges
Most of us always choose the path of least resistance, in life. We do not want to stretch our minds, in order to create these alternative plans, no- we have no time for that. Actually, is it a question of not having time or capacity? I guess it is more capacity than time. I have always argued that most of these things need some building blocks. You have a curriculum that is designed to stretch children’s minds, then you get scientists at the end. You get a curriculum that teaches children to memorize things, then you produce historians- that’s what I think anyway!
The challenge with nurturing a mindset that cannot be stretched is that the holders of this mindset cannot progress/innovate much, nor can they easily solve new problems or challenges.
Work related example where we need Plan B or more
Most Companies will have the current crop of leaders. Do we ever think of developing the B team? What happens if one of the team members resigns, retires, drops dead, to name just but a few possibilities? If we do not have plan B (or more), we are bound to run into serious problems.
We are here talking succession planning. We need to develop the B team, whilst the A team is still nice and strong. In-fact, let the B team be developed by the A team (passing of baton stick).
Having a B team in place, will ensure that employees in an organization can go on leave or can attend to emergencies (deaths, sick leave, etc.), without adversely affecting departmental manning levels and production.
On a medium to long term basis, having a B team will ensure that current incumbents can be promoted or re-assigned to new positions, or indeed retire (when the time comes), without adversely affecting the operations of the organisation.
Social challenges
The existence of plans can be extended to social life as well. Do we ever think about plan B, with regards to any of the following:- retirement home, schooling for our children, family doctor, family car . . .the list is endless ?
As an example, most of us own one family car (although we desire to have more!). However, it is important that we always have a plan B, in case the only car we have, fails us. Last week, I gave an account of the trusted Gaia failing me. Interesting things happened as a result of this, as I lived through the Saturday and Sunday whereby the car was under repairs.
For me and my family, Plan B was footing. We obviously became very economic in terms of places visited, on account of aching muscles. We therefore decided to visit the one stop shop- Khothama boutique (that vibrant marketplace), for our window shopping. While her highness was window shopping, my attention was drawn by several things; some artistic and others marketing in nature.
As I was walking along that area, I was stopped on my tracks, by a youth calling out, “Malume, wadlula ungakhangeli umzukulu?” I made a quick turn in order to meet my nephew, only to find a smiling face that I had never seen before in my life, selling his wares! For his efforts, I parted with money for a pair of socks- good stuff. Marketing can be achieved in a number of ways: — cheap (promotional) goods, attractive stands and engaging salespersons.
I saw the whole range of marketing gimmicks at Khothama boutique, but for me the best one was the power of words coming out of the sales person’s mouth!
Take home this week?
Plan A is always a combination of our own hard work and also the visitation of Grace, lest we forget. Do not, for a day, take your Plan A for granted, dear reader- always sustain it through a variety of deliberate and well planned interventions.
However, even when you are down and out, do not forget to go to church on a Sunday, for spiritual renewal and the restoration of your Plan A. We were able to find our way to church, despite the family car being down. I do hope you enjoyed reading through today’s article. In my case, my Plan B experiences of the week-end helped me realize the importance of jealously guarding Plan A!
It is time to rest my case for the week. Send your views to e-mail address hecandbe@ gmail.com or sms 0777556081.
Online Reporter