(Especially in Zimbabwe, where everyone’s a “manager” of something)****
Intro:
Let’s be honest—leadership isn’t about titles, company cars, or barking orders from your office while sipping Mazoe. It’s about showing the way. But in Zimbabwe? Ehe ka, most people think the louder you shout, the more you’re leading.
The Truth About Human Nature (Zim Edition):
We Zimbabweans don’t learn by being told. We learn by “kutarisa” – observing.
That’s why even toddlers in Budiriro know how to swipe on phones before they know how to read. You say, *“Don’t touch the TV remote.” * They wait until you leave. Then? Monkey see, monkey press!
Your team at work is no different. If you’re always late, they’ll be later. If you never write reports, guess what? Suddenly, reports are “lost in the system.”
** The Silent Signals of Leadership:******
You don’t have to say anything. In fact, your silence is LOUD!
Let’s break it down Zim-style:
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Your office is dirty, desks are dusty… but you walk past like it’s normal.** ** Now the whole office looks like Makokoba market after a windy day. “If the boss doesn’t care, why should we?”
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**You tell the team to be professional but you’re in sandals, chewing sugarcane. ** Leadership? Iko kuti!
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You talk about punctuality, but you show up at 10:45am saying, “Traffic!”** ** Meanwhile, your intern who used public kombis made it by 7:50am.
The Missing Link: YOU****
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Sometimes, the reason your team isn’t performing isn’t because they’re lazy. It’s because you’re invisible. You haven’t done what you expect them to do.
You say, “We want innovation.” But when was the last time you brought a new idea?
You say, “We want accountability.” But even your fuel receipts go missing.
In short: You don’t need a motivational speech. You need to move first.****
** Leadership is Caught, Not Taught******
People don’t follow what you say—they follow what you do. Zim-style leaders love talking about “vision”—but their actions say, “relax guys, we’re just here to mark time.”**
You want your sales team to hustle? Hustle first.** ** You want your receptionist to smile? Smile first—genuine smile, not the “I need this job” smile.****
If you want a team that owns responsibility, stop outsourcing yours.** ** If you want initiative, start something—anything!** ** If you want the team to move—move first.****
Because in Zim or anywhere else, one thing’s for sure:
Monkey see. Monkey do.** **** Boss chew sugarcane… team chew sugarcane.******
