Let's invest in our own

Steve Lyston, Contributor

The more we refuse to invest in our own people - local staff, local businesses and the youth - the more our sovereignty is exposed to risk of decay.

Very shortly we will see most of the strategic positions within the public and private sectors being taken by expatriates. If that happens, then it means that our country's leaders have failed. The number one criterion of our country should be to put laws in place to create an atmosphere of growth and prosperity.

For example, laws dealing with the protection of our dollar and the reformation of our justice system. There should also be laws relating to constitutional issues, campaign financing, term limits, dual citizenship, energy and the removal of monopolies.

Before the nation can encourage international investors to come in, we must first create a local environment conducive to the survival of local businesses. It means we will need to first invest in our own people.

Looking for solutions

Everybody is looking for solutions, but solutions will be forthcoming when those above are willing to listen to the suggestions of their own people.

Many times, organisations spend millions in consultancy services external to the organisations when there are those within the organisation and the nation - depending on the company - who can give solutions.

Oftentimes, after the external consultancies have given their 'solutions' the same internal staff who they previously overlooked, are the same ones who have to clean up the mess. The country is in the state it is today mainly (but not only) because of the misappropriated advice of the international consultants to the business community.

Companies need to identify faithful and committed employees and train them to deal with the demands and problems the organisation and even its leaders encounter. Always train a mixed set - that is - persons from all levels.

Oftentimes leaders focus on training those managers or senior personnel who are not necessarily engaged in the operations while they neglect to train the line staff involved in the daily operations.

Sometimes, government ministers are sent to international seminars, summits and/or training sessions instead of persons below them who are actually driving the vision and operations.

In other instances, leaders are sent for training when they are close to retirement, and the information and training leaves when they do and those left behind don't receive the full benefits of such training. Even in the security industry, oftentimes the training is given to the commander of the division; while there is no investment being made in those on the front line/on the ground.

For change to take place, we must start by investing in our high school students. There are many things they can use the high school students to do and cut wastage while giving them the experience for their résumé. In order to adapt to the changes, we must be willing to do so.

With the political system as it is, there are very few young people who are attracted to politics. If we are unwilling to change, unwilling to invest in our youth, unwilling to embrace the ideas of those who are on the ground, so to speak, then how can we expect our young people to want to play a significant and vital role in this area or in any industry for that matter?

Revise the requirements

The criteria for selection of persons for political representation ought to be revisited. The main basis for qualification or selection is academics, how much money a person has and the potential they possess for money making.

Very few people know who is the key grip in any movie, or what the stuntman in a movie looks like. But when the movie is number one at the box office, it means they have done an excellent job and they have played a role in making the movie a success. It is so also for the local media houses.

Sometimes people are awarded for being the best journalist, the best photographer, but what about the cameraman, the production personnel, the technicians and editors and lighting personnel? They too must be recognised.

The success of every manager is not solely as a result of his or her academic qualifications and intellect, but also on the extent to which they invest in their support staff.

Even in the Church, many recognise the pastor, bishop, elders, but neglect or ignore those who sweep the floors, clean the bathrooms and keep the sanctuary clean. They not only should be recognised, but we must invest in them.

Steve Lyston is a Biblical Economics Consultant and Author of several books, including End Time Finance and The New Millionaire.