adminShelter Chieza Change Management
I HAVE been trying to do a little research on the issues surrounding the month of November. Traditionally, there must not be any wedding ceremonies or payment of the bride price in the month of “goat”.
This has even extended to some cultures that believe that November is not the time to celebrate and take holidays. Some families have been made to pay fines after they defied tradition. I am yet to hear of a couple that has suffered major challenges having been married in November.
Where then do you draw the line between a normal social event and one that is believed to attract ill omen? Just recently I read about the proliferation of “Murder scene clean-up” businesses in America. The companies are experienced in dealing with blood-borne pathogens. They said their day-to-day job includes cleaning up blood and other stomach-turning activities most people would not like to do. It is understood that the cost of a crime scene clean-up can range from US$1 000 “to as high as six figures for some tougher jobs”.
The reality is that businesses are going through intense economic pressures and companies have had to engage in non-common activities to survive. Life has placed extraordinary demands on people and shifts have to be made. Everyday in business, we are faced with situations similar to having the rug being pulled from under your feet; you need to react quickly.
What then is defined in some circles as “unacceptable businesses”? Are funeral service companies classified any less than other companies because they capitalise on other people’s misfortunes? I was approached one day by a groundsmen at Warren Hills who seemed very keen and overzealous to help water my late brother-in-law’s grave. I was a bit put off by his aggressiveness but reason knocked . . . that is what he makes a living out of.
In the run-up to the period of dollarisation, many companies folded. Some of those that managed to stay afloat entered into long-term contracts with suppliers or customers or even labour unions. The objectives of such attempts were to reduce uncertainty. It is possible for companies in the same line of business, vertical integration, to merge with your supplier.
Tough economic times can inspire a lot of creativity when it comes to new business ideas. Economic hardships normally ignite the proliferation of entrepreneurial activity. You only need to look around and listen to the talk on the streets, that is certainly not the same talk that you hear when you are in our neighbouring states like South Africa. It does seem counter-intuitive. After all, starting new businesses is incredibly risky in an unstable environment.
I listened to a feature of a young man in his early 20s who is said to be a professional mourner. His rates were quite fair, I must say, he is even reported to be enjoying brisk business. This gentleman is hired at funerals to “lighten the mood” and provide the humorous side to the event. They are even some that are paid to cry. Dancers are seen being hired at funerals to fulfil the dead person’s wish that their death must not be sad but a celebration of life. Our society is still cringing and finding it hard to accept such realities.
One needs to go back to the objectives of the company. An envisioned manager sets out projects and programmes which are designed to achieve company objectives. That is why people must never ever venture into a business for the reason of making money because you will become directionless with no vision.
Till next week, may God richly bless you.
Shelter Chieza is an advisor in management issues. She can be contacted at [email protected]
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