Inspiration Thursdays: Learning at the feet of Strive Masiyiwa
If you are not following Strive Masiyiwa’s Facebook page then you are missing out on key life lessons from a wise man. I may not be a frequent visitor to his page but anytime I stop by, I leave inspired and fired up. He inspires me with his business acumen and his stand as a Christian in the marketplace. Many believe that a Christian cannot attain certain heights without compromising but Strive Masiyiwa has proved otherwise.
The Zimbabwean-born businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Strive Masiyiwa, is the founder of one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world – Econet Wireless. Strive Masiyiwa was listed among Forbes Magazine – 10 Most Powerful Men in Africa for 2015. Strive Masiyiwa has provided scholarships to over 100,000 young Africans over the past 20 years and is called Africa’s most generous philanthropist. He supports over 40,000 orphans with educational initiatives, as well as sponsoring students at universities in America, The United Kingdom, and China. Strive Masiyiwa, has about 6,000 employees with numerous clients and has won several awards. With an estimate of three billion Dollars in annual revenue.
LESSONS FROM STRIVE MASIYIWA
Integrity is a Better Capital than Money
Strive Masiyiwa never fails to mention the importance of integrity in the workplace. He believes that with integrity you can go further in your business than you can with money. A good name is better than riches.
Be a Solution Provider
Strive Masiyiwa saw a need and provided a solution. Now over twenty years later his telecommunications company provides services in almost all countries in Africa.
Humility is Key
Strive Masiyiwa’s commitment to the lives of others is not typical for one with as many responsibilities as his but he is actively involved in the lives of others through his Facebook posts and responses to comments from his readers. He also lays emphasis on how you should treat your staff or those seemingly beneath you.
Giving
He is known to be a philanthropist. His foundation supports over 40,000 orphans. He also supports start-ups.
God First
Strive Masiyiwa tells anyone who cares to hear that he is what he is by the grace of God. One thing notable about Strive Masiyiwa is his love for God and it shows in his actions. He is quick to say that God has been the reason why he has made some of the best decisions in business. He has been at an advantage because of the God factor.
A post on Facebook by Strive Masiyiwa;
That CNN Interview:
“If anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.”
A few years ago I was in the middle of an interview with the global news network CNN, when the interviewer suddenly turned her attention to my faith. She was intrigued by what she had heard about me and she asked if it was true that I sometimes spend several hours a day reading the bible. She then went on to ask me if there were any examples I could give on how the bible helps me in my day-to-day business. My heart just leaped with joy because the bible encourages us to talk about our faith, and always use any opportunity to show others what is the basis of our hope:
1 Peter 3:15 (The Living Bible)
If anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.
I gave her the example of the discussion between Moses and his father-in-law, a man called Jethro, about how to lead people. This conversation took place over 3000 years ago and yet it is amazingly fresh in its counsel. What Jethro taught Moses is the very foundation of organizational leadership. For anyone who has ever led an organization it is quite astonishing:
Jethro explained to Moses, that it was important to learn to delegate authority and responsibility;
He must focus on giving clear direction, and be setting the values;
He told him how to select the right type of leaders; they must be competent, incorruptible, above reproach
The people he chooses should themselves, be able to delegate responsibility to others;
After he has delegated he must allow his people to get on with it, and just focus on the key strategic issues.
Ever since I came across this passage of scripture, which is recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 18, I have never come across a single management book that captures these issues with such great clarity. I could have used so many other examples. I could have talked about what the bible says about how to invest your money, how to manage people, how to enter new markets, how to handle promotion and succession, competition and competitors; about strategy and tactics; I could go on and on…. It’s all there if you would dare to look.
I have learned from the life of Strive Masiyiwa and you can too by following his Facebook page. Thank me later.