“Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results”
George S. Patton
As part of our startup ‘wahala’, we had periodic clashes with managing the team and assigning roles. A bunch of engineers trying to juggle product research, marketing strategy, cashflows, customer development, without having taken any marketing class? Indeed, we messed it up and all got drained! Our team leader tried her best but she could only do so much. What next? Give up?
Team building is key. At every point it is necessary to assess the strengths of your team and assign roles accordingly, else you’d be fixing round pegs in square holes. This statement is paraphrased from a Leadership IV lecture by Rev. Steve Buchele (where SisuTerra was conceived). A breakthrough emerged when we recalled this approach to team development. It enabled the team to revisit one another’s personality, pick out strengths, and move roles around a bit. What a joy will it be for our mentor and lecturer to know that we have conquered a team storm by his teaching, and are progressing on to greater heights!
In the words of George S. Patton, “don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results”.
Here’s what the team has to say:
From Raymond Saaka,
The other members of the team make it seem like the journey has been smooth when it has been very tough. Thanks to great team members, I have personally learned a lot of lessons along the line especially about being a team player. Setting up a business from the idea stage to where we are now is very challenging. However, this is where we need to focus more on the long-term effects of how this business is going to positively affect our ecosystem and use that as motivation to move on. We are doing a great job. All the credits go to the team and I pray that at the end of the day all our efforts will not be fruitless. Also, our vision of effectively managing plastic wastes in Africa will crystallize!
From Jennipher Alista Panashe (Team Leader)
The journey so far has been very humbling and a growth opportunity. I have grown out of my comfort zone and learned the need to be intentional in everything I do. Above all, I have learned that entrepreneurship calls for the skill or ability to celebrate little victories. Entrepreneurship is a very long journey thus there is a need to capture small wins occasionally in order to boost motivation and confidence. I personally believe that the journey has just started and we have more HARD and GREAT experiences to go through. It calls for us to psyche our minds and build our resilience for all the battles to come!
A special post dedicated to Reverend Steve Buchele.
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It always fills my heart with joy to know that you all are still working on this project. I am so proud of you all. I have fond memories of the journey we all took in Leadership IVe, and have had fun telling people about your journey too. Greetings from Hanoi, Vietnam!