No Name Calling and Insults in Business

Electioneering has dominated international news headlines for months now, at times nauseatingly so.

One is sometimes left wondering if there is anything else of significance happening in the world.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems, a non-governmental organisation, reports that half of the world’s population – over 70 nations – have already voted, or will do so before the year ends.

According to the foundation, countries where elections have already occurred include the United Kingdom, India, Mexico, South Africa and Botswana.

Other African countries where elections have already taken place include Rwanda and Mozambique, with a general election taking place in Namibia later this month and in Ghana in December.

In the world’s largest economy, the United States, a tightly fought battle and – from an outsider’s perspective – a fractiously dividing election occurred.

Insults flung about and the name-calling by candidates and their supporters was like a brawl between drunks in a bar, causing shivers to go down one’s spine. Rather unsettling and lacking dignity, I think.

This year of elections will significantly impact global politics in ways that will reverberate for years to come.

One is uncertain how it will affect the African continent.

In politics, it is evident that in general and presidential elections there will always be winners and losers.

In politics, there are never any permanent friends or enemies, only interests.

In business and even in highly competitive sectors, there are never winners or losers, only enterprises who are ahead and those who are unable to compete.

At one point, a business is becoming more popular, then its popularity declines and revenue declines, as market share increases.

Enterprises ahead of others in the same sector are usually those owned by entrepreneurs and managed by leaders who are discerning, directional, disciplined, focused, success-driven and reliable.

Conversely, those who are unable to compete are companies that are owned and managed by individuals who lack such characteristics.

The inability to compete and maintain market share should be a wake-up and shake-up call.

To stay ahead in business, entrepreneurs must recognise that failure is part of the journey, a learning opportunity rather than a repercussion.

In fact, entrepreneurs should never allow failure to define them.

These individuals who are ahead are willing to fail often, to learn and grow. They decide on their actions and take responsibility for the outcome.

Entrepreneurs will never stay ahead, and if they fail, must acknowledge that great leaders will gain market share but good leaders learn and then take corrective action to regain lost ground.

Successful businesses are recognised for their goods or services.

Staying ahead, they become remarkable and remain memorable to the extent that old customers return to conduct repeat business and new ones are routinely added to increase the customer base.

When an enterprise encounters a deteriorating situation, smart entrepreneurs identify issues and take appropriate action.

If all fails, they will explore other options and quickly move on.

In contrast to politics, name calling and insults directed at competitors are not part of a solution in the enterprise sector.

• Danny Meyer is reachable at danny@smecompete.com