www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2024 9
Associations
He emphasised the necessity of embracing change as a fundamental aspect of business survival . By recognising the above drivers of change and proactively adapting to evolving circumstances , businesses can position themselves for success in an ever-changing world .
Anticipation , Van der Merwe argued , is key to navigating change effectively . He urged attendees to remain vigilant and observant of the subtle shifts occurring daily , both within their industries and the broader global landscape . By staying informed and attuned to changes , individuals can better prepare for and respond to inevitable shifts in their environments .
The discussion then turned to the inherent fear associated with change . Van der Merwe acknowledged that stepping out of one ' s comfort zone can be daunting but emphasised the importance of overcoming fear and embracing change wholeheartedly .
“ Continuous innovation is essential for remaining relevant and competitive in today ' s rapidly evolving world .” Citing examples from companies like Sony , who successfully pivoted their product offerings in response to changing market demands , Van der Merwe underscored the importance of adaptability and creativity in driving long-term success .
Moreover , Van der Merwe stressed the importance of learning from change . He argued that every shift presents an opportunity for growth and development , and that resistance to change can lead to stagnation and irrelevance . By embracing change as a learning opportunity , individuals and businesses can position themselves for continued success in an ever-changing landscape .
Transitioning to the topic of excellence , he outlined key principles for achieving excellence in business operations : delivering value , memorable experiences to customers , acknowledging that a happy customer is a loyal customer , a sense of urgency , and attention to detail in their work – highlighting the significance of continuous improvement and learning from mistakes .
He underscored the importance of caring deeply about one ' s work and setting high expectations for oneself and others . Moreover , he highlighted the role of attitude in driving excellence , emphasising the need for a positive and proactive approach to challenges .
“ Above all , vision without execution is futile . It requires disciplined execution of plans and strategies to achieve success . Through a combination of innovation , collaboration and a commitment to excellence , managers can embrace change and strive for continuous improvement in their endeavours .”
He emphasised that it is leadership that drives results and highlighted the significance of building a culture where discipline is ingrained in every aspect of operations . “ Disciplined organisations require less micromanagement and
A captivated audience inspecting the laser machine ahead of hearing ‘ Who Moved my Cheese ?’.
bureaucracy , as individuals are empowered to take ownership of their responsibilities .
“ On a personal level , my own philosophy is to always maintain a positive attitude in the workplace with a professional responsibility to be in a good mood . This drives a positive energy on team morale and productivity .” Additionally , he emphasised the need for empowering others and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration .
Furthermore , Van der Merwe discussed the concept of strengths-based leadership , encouraging individuals to identify and leverage their unique talents and passions . “ Managers should
always play to their strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses – individuals are more likely to excel when they are passionate about their work ,” he says .
He concluded his presentation by reflecting on current affairs and emphasising the importance of education and personal responsibility in addressing societal challenges . Quoting Nelson Mandela , he underscored the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty . He warned against the dangers of dependency and emphasised the need for a culture of accountability and hard work . He encouraged attendees to take control of their destinies and contribute positively to their communities , fostering a spirit of self-reliance and empowerment . RACA
“ With the laser ’ s advanced capabilities and automation features , tasks that once seemed cumbersome now appear remarkably efficient and intuitive .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2024 9