Tag: ethics

South Africa is facing a number of critical challenges. Two of the most worrying are a faltering economy and a crisis in leadership which is leaving many of our future business leaders either waiting on the side lines or, even more tragically, leaving the country.

“Change is inevitable; but progress depends on what we do with that change” - the famous Charles Wheelan quote – one of my favourite quotes, however I would like to add a caveat to this quote bringing in my day-to-day job into the mix.

As CFOs take on a more strategic role, other functions are increasingly looking to finance for near real-time and more accurate forecast reporting to make more informed business decisions. Although historical reporting remains relevant, organisations are looking to the finance role for instant guidance amid changing market dynamics.

"Behold the turtle; he only makes progress when his neck is stuck out" This proverb, included in Bonang Mohale’s best-selling first book, Lift As You Rise, sets the tone for his second book, which includes fresh insights and wisdom from one of South Africa’s best-loved leaders.

The world has changed irrevocably and a new way of life and work in every aspect is now a reality. This requires HR to review its priorities and place renewed emphasis on 'being human' and building effective human systems and human organisations.

In October 2020, we focused on ethics and delivered a series of webinars to discuss the ethical challenges currently facing the chartered accountancy and auditing professions and come up with solutions to these challenges. During a particular focus on ethics in the public sector, I shared that the professional body has noted an increase in the number of member complaints about intimidation threats.

If there’s any situation that’s going to show your true colours, it’s a crisis. Sticking to your values during a crisis is vital. It is important to navigate your way through the COVID-19 crisis, successfully and with integrity. As part of SAICA's new Leadership in a Time of Crisis series, I highlighted the importance of leading ethically during these difficult times. 

The times we are currently living in are unprecedented. Covid-19 has once again highlighted the reasons why governance - good governance - is a critical function in a democratic country.

Looking after your health and becoming fit, is very closely linked to looking after your reputation. You need good health to get you through life, and you need a good reputation to support you through your company’s journey. Building your reputation can be learnt from physical fitness.

We should get some strategy consultants to draw up a set of values that we can post on the walls. Ask them to include the usual suspects - integrity, fairness, honesty, excellence, a passion for customers - and perhaps some cool phrase like ‘at this company we make magic’, ‘losing is not an option’ or ‘we make it happen!’. That should take care of the ethics thing that everybody is getting so worked up about.