An aha moment, is when I realized sustainability is an inside-out process. As, I watched the ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ for the umpteenth time yesterday, I was reminded of the powerful words by Christopher Gardner, when he spoke to his son, ‘You got a dream... You gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period.’ I began to revisit my personal vision and goals, as I often do, primarily the one about promoting the importance of building a community-centered culture around sustainable development. It is so easy to think that sustainability is something outside of us, something we aim to fix, externally. One could not be further from the truth. I am instantly reminded by a Suzie Orman’s conference I attended in Johannesburg in 2008 about the ‘8 Qualities of a Wealthy Woman.’ I will refer to the quality no.1: ‘Harmony' - , harmony is when what you DO, what you THINK and what you SAY are in agreement, which I will refer to as the ‘Trio-self.’ That means, it starts with the individual’s mindset and value system. Sustainability is about personal development, it’s not necessarily primarily about the environment. Though the environment in effect, is a byproduct of the individual effort we put in our personal development and the communities we choose to participate in and give back to. So before, you embark on ‘saving the planet’ one needs to make sure your house is in order; because the journey to building sustainability-centered community is a road not only less travelled but has many potholes; strayed wildlife and domestic animals in the way. Developing a competency development model for yourself may help you identify where the relationship with yourself is and how to improve it, if one needs to. Why a competency development model? By visually drawing a map of your learning processes one is able to keep track of your progress and maintain your focus on your ultimate goal. To be honest, I had not anticipated personal development to be such a key component in sustainable development. Thus, mapping a customized competency model for myself allowed me to revisit and structure my learning process. During this process, I realized that if I am going to be a driver and ambassador of sustainability; knowing and understanding the darkness as well as the light that resides in myself, as an individual will help me equip myself for the battle(s) ahead. Below highlights 5 key aspects that form part of my competency development model that I would like to share with you, which are inspired by the Johari Window Model (Alan Chapman, 2003):
1) Journaling – Keeping a journal assists in self –reflection. Putting your thoughts on paper daily, weekly or monthly has an ability to give life to your dreams. Some may find journaling an uncomfortable or foreign concept. So, perhaps unless you have tried and are absolutely certain it is not for you. Consider opening yourself up to the process. You might be happily surprised.
2) Develop action plan – You have heard the statement ‘one can only eat an elephant, in one bite at a time.’ Action planning helps one breakdown your goal/vision/dream in bite sizes. It is a way of asking ‘what do I need to do, and how often do I need to do it, so that I can achieve my dream.’ In fact this concept is not new. Leaders have used this concept in strategic plans, but somehow leaders forget that they too need one as an individual. Build a personal strategic plan for yourself.
3) Execution of action plan – Execution has the propensity to be an Achilles' heel in this model. This is because procrastination is your ultimate enemy and the longer one postpones putting into action the plans which you have developed in point 2. You will be unable to realize your dream(s). Point 3, is the HEART of the entire competency development structure. We all know that the heart is a critical organ to the human anatomy. The main function of the heart is to circulate blood to the entire body, which in turn gives us life. Likewise, if I am not executing my action plans. Then I am depriving myself the opportunity to fulfill my dreams in the long-term.
4) Self-management – is the ability to manage and motivate oneself. I do this by making sure I surround myself with positive people who are passionate about business and sustainability. I read books, articles and attend seminars on issues that identify with my dream(s).
5) Leading others – is the ability to inspire and motivate your colleagues. One can volunteer your expertise/talents to a local NGO, church, or an association.
Whilst the insights offered seem prescriptive, it is important to allow a level of flexibility in your competency model. That means, one has to have the ability to adjust, change or redefine specific action plans. Once you begin to build sustainable personal models for yourself, you will begin to demand a better quality of life; better products and services offerings from local business’/retailers; better governance in local municipalities, provincial and national governments. Sustainability is full circle. It’s about having a healthy relationship with your ‘trio-self.’
Copyright @ 6 February 2012. BlogSpot by Tambu Ndoro, Strategist at Hanga Consulting and Principal Director of Ndoro Resources (PVT) Ltd, (2011). Visit www.hangaconsulting.com on Sustainability Workshops: Social Entrepreurship; Sustainable Marketing, Strategic Leadership and Change and Innovation Management. Blogger for Hello Harare visit www.helloharare.co.zw
Suggested related readings from my blog NEW CONSCIOUSNESS:
http://tambu-ndoro@blogspot.com
1. “The New Consciousness: Sustainability”:
http://tambu-ndoro.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-consciousness-sustainability.html
2. “Building Sustainable Business Models”:
http://tambu-ndoro.blogspot.com/2011/08/building-sustainable-business-models.html
3. “Note to my Recruitment Memoirs”:
http://tambu-ndoro.blogspot.com/2011/02/notes-from-my-recruitment-memoirs.html
4. “Part1: The Ramblings of an African Child”:
http://tambu-ndoro.blogspot.com/2012/01/part-i-ramblings-of-african-child.html
