Lessons that Stick
What’s the lesson that’s lasted longest for you?
Have you ever noticed that some things we learn early in our careers, shape us for life?
When I look back, one of my defining lessons came from the start of my working life.
I began my career in industrial relations with African Explosives and Chemical Industries (AECI), then a wholly owned subsidiary of ICI PLC. At the time, I’d made a conscious decision to only work for an international company that took a definitive stand against racial discrimination, despite the apartheid government’s laws. AECI was such a place, and I was fortunate to join them and later, to be seconded to the UK.
The early 1980s in South Africa were politically volatile. Industrial relations weren’t just about the workplace, they were deeply adversarial and highly politicized. Trade unions were the only real channel for black South Africans to voice their political aspirations.
In that context, I was lucky to work alongside one of the most respected industrial relations practitioners of the time, Andre Botha. Under his guidance, I prepared for dispute resolutions and negotiations with major trade unions.
And then came the lesson that has stuck with me ever since. Before heading into any dispute resolution, Andre would quietly write three words on the palm of his hand:
Stay calm
Listen
Ask why
Time and again, when a deadlock seemed unavoidable, he’d glance at his hand, take a breath, and recommit to those three principles. More often than not, that moment of pause opened new possibilities, paths that not only resolved the conflict but strengthened relationships and trust among all involved.
That practice, and those three simple commitments, have stayed with me throughout my career and life.
INVITATION
I invite you to take a moment to reflect:
What’s one of the first lessons you learnt in your career that’s still serving you today?
May you flourish.