How many Avo’s can say that they’ve conquered our Avo mountain and climbed to the summit?  No I’m not using a metaphor to talk about some life journey, I am talking about physically climbing up the Avo Koppie?  I can now proudly say that I have (and I have the photos to prove it)!

On my lunch break a few days ago, I decided I needed some fresh air and I realised what a beautiful day it was.  I remembered Grant’s challenge to me one day, where he asked if I’d ever climbed to the top of the hill here.  I replied; no but I’d like to!

So I made up my mind on a whim, and decided to climb the Avo hill right there and then (in my smart, black shoes and all).  When I got to the top, the view actually took my breath away.  I could see beyond the far reaches of Joey’s.  In order to preserve the moment, I took 4 pictures and stitched them together into one panoramic shot which hopefully will let you all see what I saw.

So in the words of Grant himself, I challenge and ask you… “Have you ever climbed to the top of Avo?”

“I was asked a very interesting question about Trevor Manuel the other day. The questions posed explored the impact of the man as a leader and manager, and his timing in adopting the role and being replaced as the Minister of Finance. Essentially, my colleague was wondering if he had strategically positioned himself in the role in a very good economic climate, and had now moved on as South Africa enters a tougher season. A second question posed was would he have been as effective in this economic climate?
 

This conversation made me consider the skills and capabilities that managers and leaders need to effectively lead their teams and organizations in both the good and the bad times. My personal take is that one can lead effectively in both seasons.”

This is an excerpt from an article that was published in The Workplace yesterday. To read the whole article, please click here.  
 

We know a lot of the culture of an organisation is driven by the leadership.  We also know that the success of training interventions is impacted hugely when the leader is involved.  It could be the manager of the team all the way through to the CEO of the company.  Unfortunately often management is looking for a quick fix, they throw some training at their team (or the problem) and then carry on as they were before with the “hope-like-hell-it-worked” illusion that everything will be different.  And the resultant disillusionment follows a while later when there does not seem to be much shift in their people.  One thing Avo knows for sure is that the success of the training is directly proportional to the involvement and commitment of the leader of the group.
 

I was very lucky to see this happening before my eyes the other day - how the open, transparent attitude and manner of the leaders directly influenced the group in the moment.  I was working with the leadership group of Auto & Truck Tyres on Saturday (yes they all come to training on Saturday).  It was brilliant, both Rob and Nic (2 of the directors), strong driver personalities, were completely open about their weaknesses, mistakes and aggressive attitudes during crises at work.  As I raised the concepts during the training and they saw where they had gone wrong, they immediately told the whole group, all the managers that report to them.  We laughed, bantered and I ripped them off.  But the example they set was astounding: here is the CEO telling everyone what his major downfall is.  Immediately he told his PA to make him signs to put on his desk so that every single time people come talk to him he’ll remember to think about the concepts so that he’ll manage himself better!
 

What did they teach their managers?  We all have weaknesses and we all have strengths. It’s ok to talk about our weaknesses and we don’t have to hide them away: we can practice getting better, we can laugh at ourselves, we can be transparent, we can be open, we can support one another.
 

If the leadership is open to learning, it’s the example they set for their people. And so a culture of growing and development is set up.  If they can’t, the learning will be academic and left up to the individual.
 

Kudos to you and your team at ATT!

I have just had the privilege of judging the Business Women of the Year (Entrepreneurship) for the BWASA (Businesswomens Association). I am once again inspired by the calibre of South Africa’s talent. First and foremost, the panel of judges were incredible (if I say so myself). The depth and value of the questions asked, really sought to evaluate the candidates effectively. And of course, I cannot discount the Entrepreneurs themselves, these ladies reflected courage, innovation, strategic thinking and empathy.

Interestingly enough, the greatest challenges experienced by the entrepreneurs reflected the PEOPLE factor (surprise, surprise). Yet again, I am persuaded that the role we play at Avo in terms of skilling business people from all types of industry in effectively managing these interpersonal interactions is critical for the growth of business throughout South Africa. Keep up the good work team!

Raelene and I share a hero role model.  We have both pored over her articles, hung on every word in her radio interviews, and fantisised about what we would actually say to her if we ever met her.  When I heard our team was booking her to speak at our annual SAB MDP dinner, I was over the moon.  And even though Grant was going overseas that day, and all my sons were sick as anything, I just had to go to the dinner to hear her speak in person. 

When I got to the dinner, I decided to pick a random table to sit at, and see who would join me.  And beyond my wildest dreams, no sooner had I sat in my chair than Mamphela Ramphele herself came and sat down next to me!  I had to pinch myself, although I did have enough presence of mind to sms Raelene with the inevitable ‘you will not believe who I am sitting next to….!!’ message.

It was so inspiring to watch a powerful leader woman in action, both on the stage, and as she interacted with us all at the table. She has the courage to continually challenge people to step up.  She has strong clarity of thought and intent, and is just not afraid to engage with people around her, demanding they share their light with the world.

Of course, with the Universe conspiring so to put us together, there is no way I could not take her through a brief synopsis of our Footprint dream and what we want to create in this country.  I asked for her help.  She said she would not help me, but rather, this would be something we could work on together!

Thanks, Mamphela, for challenging me on my own insignificance.  I do hope we will be able to find the opportunity together to create a strong vehicle for growth, empowerment and education in South Africa! I,  too, am challenged to step up!