This young man then, Joseph Ddiba, walked into my office and requested for a job. Despite falling below our minimum entry standards at the time, we gave him a job anyway because he spoke to the heart NOT our brains. He said, ‘without this job, I will end up on the streets. I don’t have any way out. Just help me. He continued coming back to the office weekly for a month, and I decided to give him a website project to do. He did it well.” I learned early on that a CEO must prioritize recruitment, and be involved…
Banking, politics, and you – critical insights about Uganda’s economy
The banking industry is central to economic transformation. Following summitBI Banking Sector Report 2020 for Uganda, the Summit Consulting Team answers three questions about i) impact of the 2021 elections on the economy, ii) causes of the persistently high cost to income ratio in banking, and iii) why durables lead to higher loan defaults. Watch an NTV story about the report here What is the likely impact of elections on already slowing growth? Two possible outcomes: Economic growth (and GDP) are likely to reduce further. During political campaigns, more and more people spend time politicking and attending rallies of their…
The delicate balance of the relationship between the Board and CEO
Below enjoy a brief history of the second coming of Steve Jobs at Apple. I got the story as part of a board briefing pack on the relationship between the board of directors and the executive training I attended sometime in Singapore at an Executive Leadership session conducted by some exceptional professors and leaders. The mantra, “eyes on, hands-off” must be embraced by the board to avoid surprises. It is easy for a CEO to run down a company as they continue to show a rosy picture. As Board, you must have some moment with the top directors to discuss…
Are you dressing for success or failure?
Every Monday morning at Summit Consulting Ltd a staff makes a presentation about a topic we chose in advance at the previous meeting. On 24th August 2020, Bruno Mwebaze presented to the team about the power of a dress code. He made a nice talk. Below are summary notes about the talk. Enjoy. “I will never forget the 16th of June 2019 when I missed the opportunity to meet the President of the Republic of Uganda because of my dress code. At the time I was at University, The State House had a program of engaging with the youth to…
Great leaders ask great questions
It is difficult to learn the art of listening without mastering the art of asking brilliant questions. During tough times like these of coronavirus, managers and leaders alike must ask great questions that seek to understand the context and perspective in which the business operations. Context looks at the internal dynamics. Perspectives provide external developments and implications for the business. What is your take? If you had one message to future leaders of Uganda what would it be? What will leaders need to do to address the country’s challenges? What is it that you want to be remembered for as…
Are you still afraid?
The Banyoro say that “when you enter the forest, you don’t get concerned about all the noise you hear”. Before you set off on the journey through the forest, you are expected to have researched and gathered information to know there is always noise. You must prepare for it. Gain the ability to separate normal noise from warning noise and dangerous noise. The same thing is true for all political aspirants. When you vie for any leadership position, you must be ready to do mobilization at any cost. And that comes with threats and frustrations. Prepare for any noise that…
