I am using this month’s communication to advertise my book The leadership challenge in Africa. If you haven’t done so yet, you are welcome to order the book from me directly – just send me an email. The book is also now avaliable at Exclusive Books, Van Schaik and other bookshops. Any bookshop will order it from ‘On the Dot’ if they don’t have it on their shelves. Since my idea behind the book is to stimulate the debate about how we as South Africans are going to respond to the challenges we experience at the different levels of society, it is my sincere hope that many people would read it and that leaders would use the information, insights and questions for discussion to develop the leadership thinking in their organisations. Will you consider buying books for your people in leadership positions as a development initiative? I can come and do an hour’s introductory talk for any group of people.
To give you a taste of the book, the following is a quotation from it:
“…Working in small groups, I began to understand the differences between European and African cultures. I discovered that a broader and more differentiated view of human intelligence than traditional Western thought was more appropriate and valid. I also experienced the opportunity of bringing the worlds of Western and African thinking and culture together in the broader context of globalisation.
At the same time, I experienced the frustration of white people who, in the new South African society, struggled to come to terms with the changes. There were the fears of the early nineties of nationalised mines, a socialist economy and revenge in some or other form by blacks against whites. These fears later made way for growing concerns about job security in the light of affirmative action policies, and rising crime statistics. Most white people would admit, however, that in terms of their daily lives, not much had changed. They still enjoyed privileged lives, indeed good lives, compared to the majority of black South Africans However, it was left to the individual to work through or ignore the psychological effects of weakened belief systems and threatened ideological convictions. A substantial part of Afrikaner identity was previously dominated by the vision of a white South Africa overcoming a hostile world and black revolution. That vision suddenly evaporated which explained the frustration and confusion amongst many white South Africans. It was now left to the individual to determine how he or she wanted to find new meaning and a new orientation for the future. For many, it became a purely materialistic matter: the accumulation and protection of material possessions, and the escapism that international travel provided.
However, without a vision that gives meaning to the past and inspiration for the future, negativity easily sets in – particularly in times of turbulence. It feeds upon itself as more and more people accept and propagate the negative aspects of change and in doing so undermine the psyche of society. The little islands of materialistic fortune that some have created for themselves are not sustainable and, in any event, provide no refuge from the mood of general negativity. People brought up with a deeply concealed but real fear of losing what is precious when they open themselves to others, require great courage to break those patterns of thinking and behaviour. One does not easily adapt to seeing the world differently.
These experiences of South Africa’s transformation, which coincided with my own search for personal identity, inspired much of my research journey in preparation for this book. South Africa’s transformation to a full democracy and the rise of a new nation, awakened my need to know more about Africa’s history, her culture, and the leadership that is needed for Africa to fulfil its enormous potential on the world stage. Many South African leaders are predominantly influenced by a Western worldview, education and cultural orientation. I am convinced they need to realign themselves with the realities of Africa’s history and culture. Furthermore, I asked myself, what is the nature of the vision that would inspire all the people of Africa to build a continent everyone can be proud of and that will command the respect of the rest of the world?
As I explore these issues in the book, it is my hope to reveal perspectives and deepen the insights of those who want to be empowered and who want to contribute to a better Africa. I hope this book will be a valuable resource in developing leadership potential and vibrant organisational rebirth to effectively take Africa from where it is to where it has the potential to be. My aim with this book is to provide a framework that can assist any leader or future leader to exercise influence in Africa in a meaningful and effective way.”
The chapters of the book are the following:
Preface
2. Leadership and Vision – A Dream for Africa
3. Leadership and Context - Africa’s Current Reality
4. Leadership and Culture - Building on African Culture in a Global Context
5. Leadership and Transformation – Developing Leaders in Africa
6. Perspectives on South Africa’s Transformation
Key Questions for Reflection and Discussion
Lastly I give you an example of a discussion question: “On a scale of 1 to 10, how cynical are the majority of people in your organisation about South African society? How does it influence the climate in the organisation and what is the role of leaders in this respect? How would you describe the top three needs of South African society where anyone can make a difference? What are practical ways to involve people in social responsibility and how will that influence the work environment?”
I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to warmer and longer days - global warming doesn’t seem to have reached South Africa yet.
I wish you all the best for July. Continue with the good things you are doing, influencing others in a positive way!
Best regard
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