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An EMERGING entrepreneur came for advice this week on the growth of his business. In summary, this involves the introduction of a new facet of business activity, in partnership with a foreign manufacturer.
The foreign partner will supply a partially manufactured product, which the local entrepreneur will then end up, as an added value, to make it ready for the market.
In the beginning, the novice entrepreneur was rather cagy, communicating only the slightest information, which really surprised me. I was taken aback, so we first had to tackle this problem of trust to lay the groundwork for an open discussion and to have a clear understanding of his growth plans. In this way, to determine the different options open, then advise him on the pros and cons or the merits and demerits of each of these options.
In asking why this hesitation to be open and outspoken, the entrepreneur shared this in the past, he had thought about and developed a business idea. Subsequently, he discussed the business idea with an official from one of the government departments responsible for facilitating the promotion of business, in the hope of obtaining a form of help.
The grievor apparently listened attentively, but hastily noted that support would not be available in public funds for a variety of reasons. But this is not where the story ends. To his horror, the entrepreneur later discovered that his idea or business secret had been leaked to others, who miraculously then launched the same service.
I was saddened, but that did not surprise me, to learn that the entrepreneur was tired of the information because of his previous bad experience. I had the chance to gain his trust and convince him to allow me to have a colleague present at the meeting
. the entrepreneur on the way to the future in his quest to develop business, create wealth and jobs.
Why this lack of surprise on my part?
Well, in the last 15 years of working with entrepreneurs all over Namibia, from Karasburg to Katima Mulilo and everywhere else, my colleagues and I often hear the same complaint. This lack of professionalism and the horrendous tendency of some misguided and mischievous officials, at the central and local levels, and officials of public and private sector finance institutions, to disclose proprietary business information to third parties are commonplace.
Integrity is about doing the right thing all the time, when one is being watched and when one is alone. Constantly demonstrate good character by avoiding corruptive tendencies and hypocrisy. In turn, ethics are the rules by which you go about your business and you conduct yourself, those moral principles by which you live, play and work.
People in positions of trust must take their responsibility seriously. They should be aware of their responsibility and their place when they are assigned to positions where they see, hear and regularly report confidential and proprietary business information because of the nature of their work. They must defend the ethics and integrity.
I'm not sure about you, but during this cold period of the last few days, I find it rather difficult to jump off the bed with enthusiasm on work days as I normally do. I find that it is more attractive to lie.
So, let's not spare a thought for those in the community who live in log cabins and corrugated iron. Go beyond simple thinking by sharing items of warm clothing that clutter this wardrobe at home. Institutions with an irreproachable history of caring for vulnerable people in society, such as the Salvation Army, will only be too willing to help distribute your unwanted winter clothes.
* Danny Meyer is joined at [email protected]
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