Tag: mentorship

As South Africa navigates the COVID-19 third wave and businesses do all they can to mitigate the health and economic effects on their workforce and businesses, the country needs strong leaders who acknowledge the unprecedented uncertainty but step up and prepare their organisations for a season of growth.

Traditionally, mentoring involved a more experienced individual providing guidance, motivation and role modelling for a newer, younger individual in the workplace. This transfer of knowledge and industry insights entails a power relationship, where the mentor has authority over the person in the protégé role.

As we reflect on Women’s Month in South Africa, it is essential to acknowledge women’s contribution to society, the economy and unpaid care work – raising children, families and communities. Despite their massive contribution, women continue to face considerable challenges.

When we talk about youth unemployment in South Africa, we often use words like ‘heart-wrenching’ and ‘major challenge.’ Then we look at the statistics, and we realise that it is an understatement. What we are living now is a national crisis.

According to the latest research by Statistics South Africa, the rate of unemployment among South Africans aged between 15 and 34 years, currently stands at 46,3 percent – and youth aged 15 to 24 years are the most vulnerable with over 63 percent of them not employed or in institutions of learning – these stats have worsened due to the pandemic.

For our world to survive, and thrive, we need people who can lead the way to a better future for everyone, be that in corporate, government, or society in general. What we need is great leadership – not mediocre leadership; and an attitude of ever-learning, growing and developing.

We are so used to building things to last. But what about building to adapt? Let’s start with an analogy here. If a bridge over a river is built to withstand the worst possible conditions and the surrounding area is then hit by a hurricane, what use is the bridge if it is left standing in exactly the same position it was before when the access roads and the river around it have been shifted by the catastrophe?

In recognition to International Women’s Day today, I share my thoughts on the impact of COVID-19 on women; and how we are learning and evolving as a result. The McKinsey Women in Work 2020 Report indicated that 1 in 4 American women consider downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce. As the report states – the 'double-shift' that women have already been working has become even more intense.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for corporate partners and funders to ensure the stability and sustainability of non-profit organisations (NPOs) by helping them to build the capacity they need. The role that NPOs play in society has never been more starkly illustrated than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership in times of crises is crucial because both citizens and employees look to their leaders for assurance, vision and direction. What makes leadership all the more critical is that when rapid change disrupts most aspects of an organisation, even its leaders are learning in real time.