In Uganda but also anywhere in the world, people who earn high incomes are those who have expertise in their area of specialization. If you are an engineer, a medical doctor or a forensic examiner, you need to be specialized. Specialization gives you a lot of industry expertise. You become a leader whom others want to follow. The challenge in many developing countries is that clients do not yet understand what great looks like. When the market doesn’t understand what great looks like, they are willing to pay a lot for any kind of skill. Clients end up paying for…
A Q&A with Mustapha: You are a Certified Fraud Examiner, how come you talk more about success and strategy and not fraud?
A: In life, you have to find your forte. But also which side do you want to be remembered for or where do you add most impact. When it comes to fraud, you are more or less being reactive. Something wrong has already taken place. You want to find out who did it. You step on so many toes in the process. After so many years of investigation and working with law enforcement bodies and lawyers, I have realised that investigations bring misery to people. Is that a good thing? But also, the victims have reasons as to why they…
Daily insights with Mustapha – To succeed, show up often
In life, trying is the most important thing that cuts across all winners. Why? Because if you don’t show up, you don’t register any performance. For example, to win any race like a marathon, you must show up and participate first. If it is an exam, you must show up in the examination room. Whatever you think of in life, starts with taking the first step. Go show up. As a consultant, I am always asking my colleagues ‘how do you get to be known if you don’t deliberately submit proposals?’ if you don’t knock at the door, nobody will…
Planning to succeed daily. A Q&A with Mustapha
Qn: Most people make an annual plan at start of a New year. Is that effective? A: Strategy is different from a plan. When you are making a strategy, you are coming up with choices you will use for a long time. But what I find most ineffective is making an annual plan at the beginning of a new year without putting into any perspective. At the end of the day, it won’t help. Have short, medium and long term plan. To be most effective, begin by asking yourself;“In the next 10 years, where would I like to be? What…
Thinking Big
What do you think is the number one reason why many people are struggling to survive? Why is it that most people attain only 40% of their life potential given the opportunities present? The number one thing may not be something that you are thinking of. I used to work for a big four audit firm, in the audit department, where I had been posted not by choice. Being a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – a great qualification with few holders at the time – I thought quite wrongly that I would make a great consultant. I was wrong.…
What is your plan?
A plan without a strategy is not effective. First clarify the future you want (dream). Put that future into your context – your unique circumstance and environment. Refine your dream. Make clear choices on how you will attain your dream (strategy). Put in place a clear plan (work plan specifying activities you will do to achieve your dreams in line with your strategy). Alex is a 23 years old, fresh graduate still looking for a job. Alex’s dream is to make money. Buy a car. Build a house. Marry and have children. He plans to have a first born in…
