The subject of “Shared Services” is a bit like the Teachers who were recruited from the army who
add process and sanity to the chaos most people enjoy. They defined the rules of engagement even
if it meant using force but in the same breath they were prepared to use the same force to defend
their colleagues.
The subject of “TouchPay” is that of a team of students minding their own business, delivering on all
their assignments and fulfilling all their responsibilities to their relevant subject teachers. Everybody
understands their value and knows they will be the ones coming out tops of the class at the end of
the year because of the constant focus on delivery. There is no time for bunking school or conspiring
to a plot that will risk their reputation and get them into trouble, they will contribute to the plot as an
unknown accomplice, however.
The “BID Office” under the wings of Martin Ackermann is a team doing the work most people hate.
They have a library of information that can be used for presenting innovative solutions to our current
and prospective customers. This is the team that would invent your leading concepts. They are also
responsible for making sure Sappi and Mondi paper remain in business.
The “Sales” team are also the new kids that joined the school this year. They have the daunting
task of having to convince other kids that being part of school “Evolve” is the best place to be. With
the skills and innovation that exist in “Evolve” I am sure this will be a breeze for them to get other
businesses to use our bag of tricks to excite their people and customers.
Then the subject of “Finance, HR, Admin, Marketing and Reception” these are the people most
people find annoying, they are the ones that collect your school fees, design your uniforms and
provide you with career guidance. They are the teams that make sure your identity and stability is
managed continuously. They are the first point of contact when people visit your school. I believe
2013 has brought this subject to the fore and has created a focus for each of the captains in these
areas to up their game in order for the organisation to take the next step to becoming a business to
reckon with.
With all the above it is important to note that not one subject in isolation can form a curriculum nor
can one player make a team. It is also important to note that the above will not be meaningful if all the
players don’t play the same game. If anything, 2013 has shown us the importance of understanding
and using each other’s strengths to benefit the organisation.
As we reach the end of 2013 we look forward to the relaxing and exciting effects of the festivities
ahead. It also allows you the time to reflect on the last year and understand the changes to be made
to better things in the new year. In the same breath, however, all the exciting opportunities ahead
almost take away the festive mood a ́