Expert tips industry captains on surviving turbulent times
Executive managers have been tipped to have strategic leadership focus and anticipate disruptions in the flow of business to sustain and grow industries in the modern era.
The advice has come from renowned executive leadership consultant Jimmy Lipunga, who was presenting at the Business Leaders’ Summit organised by the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) over the weekend in Mangochi District.
Lipunga said the past five years were characterised by disruptions such as political tension, devastating natural disasters such as cyclones and the war in Ukraine, among others.
“Disruptions challenge leaders to think deeper. One needs to apply their minds and develop insights to deal with a problem. Challenges are the right environment for demonstrating transformational leadership.
“Procedures are fine; they are there to promote stability, consistency and safeguard assets. The problem is if you take the argument too far, it kills initiative. This is why chief executives and boards do not have much latitude to think. However, leadership deals with gray areas; so, an element of judgement is necessary,” Lipunga said.
One of the participants who is also Managing Director of Sparc Systems Limited, Wisely Phiri, described the summit and presentations as relevant and on point.
“Captains of industry coming together to discuss the turbulent times we are in and looking at possible solutions was worthwhile. The major highlight for me was the encouragement that we need to safeguard the little resources we have and work to grow them,” Phiri said.
