Make the most of your talent

Big Business Ideas

Stephene Chikozho

WORKERS in many organisations report feeling undervalued, overstretched and forced to work in areas beyond their competences.

Because of this, they feel ineffective — they want to work better but feel the organisation is constraining them.

The best companies allow staff to build careers around what they excel at, in what leadership expert Mr Warren Bennis called “to do the work they were born to do”.

Contemporary organisations, faced with dynamic and fast-moving markets, favour employees who are flexible and multi-skilled.

However, great leaders allow great people to excel at what they do well.

The power of purpose

African companies are no longer just places of employment; they are becoming communities with shared visions and goals.

Studies have found engaged employees — those devoted to their jobs and committed to the company’s values — are significantly more productive, provide better customer service and outperform those who are less engaged.

Employee engagement: The game-changer

Employee engagement is a critical factor linking motivation to achievement.

When employees feel valued and part of a larger mission, their productivity and creativity soar.

Companies like MTN in South Africa have invested heavily in employee engagement programmes.

These initiatives range from professional development opportunities to wellness programmes and recognition schemes.

The result: A motivated workforce that consistently delivers exceptional results, driving these companies to the forefront of their industries.

Leadership and motivation

Leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering motivation.

African business leaders are increasingly adopting inclusive and inspirational leadership styles.

Mr Tony Elumelu — the chairperson of Heirs Holdings, the United Bank of
Africa and Transcorp — is a prime example.

His leadership is characterised by a deep commitment to ethical practices and social responsibility, which resonates with employees and motivates them to align their personal values with the company’s mission.

This alignment creates a powerful synergy that fuels both individual and organisational success.

Working better, not harder

Enabling staff to work better, not harder, requires an enlightened leadership approach that looks down to the
factory floor, as well as up to the shareholders.

Companies that value effectiveness over volume, and performance over presenteeism (when staff work despite illness, instead of taking sick leave) often find themselves at the top of best-employer lists.

Leaders of these companies realise that shareholder value is driven by staff performance.

Allowing staff to build careers around what they excel at is good for employees and the bottom line.

Innovation and motivation

Innovation is another area where motivation is making a significant
impact.

In the competitive landscape of African business, companies that foster a culture of innovation are thriving.

Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech company, has rapidly expanded by encouraging its employees to think creatively and take calculated risks.

Through creating an environment where innovation is rewarded and celebrated, Flutterwave has attracted top talent and developed cutting-edge solutions that are transforming the financial sector across Africa.

Opportunities

Despite notable challenges, the business environment in many African countries provides opportunities for motivated individuals and companies to devise innovative solutions.

The rise of co-working spaces like Nairobi’s iHub and Lagos’ Co-Creation Hub is testament to the entrepreneurial spirit that is overcoming these obstacles.

These hubs provide not only the physical space, but also the motivational support and community needed for start-ups to thrive.

The narrative of African business is one of resilience, creativity and boundless potential.

The connection between motivation and achievement is not just a theoretical concept; it is a tangible force that has the potential to shape the future of the continent.

Stephene Chikozho is the chief executive officer of Africa Business Inc. He writes in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on WhatsApp: +263772409651 or email: ceo@africabusinessinc.com