Important Business and Life Lessons from a Workers’ Strike

photo courtesy of telegraph uk

COMPARED to previous Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) strikes, the recently called-off strike leaves much to be desired. One would assume that since the NLC was striking for a good cause – the reduction of petrol pump price – everyone would rally around them and offer support. I was wrong, at least from the feedback I got from the people I spoke with and the outcome of the strike. This is instructive. So what are important business and life lessons from this?

A house divided against itself cannot stand. This is an age-long saying, and its validity is still as clear as morning light. It is very important that you have the members of your team on the same page as you. Ask anyone in the security forces and he will be quick to tell you that nothing weakens a troop like a disgruntled member. You may call him a mole, saboteur or infiltrator. To build a successful enterprise you must be on the same page with your team, or they will work against you.

One of your most important business assets is trust. Sadly, trust, once lost, is difficult to regain. There is a direct correlation between trust and brand. People buy the brand they trust, which invariably means that you are as rich as your brand. Need I say that building trust and acceptance is one of the most difficult tasks in organizational development? And losing the hard work of trust only takes a slip. Guard your trust bank.

photo courtesy of texasenterprise

Silence speaks. People are busy watching your daily pursuits, moves and actions. Do not confuse people’s silence or lack of feedback as inaction or disinterest in your endeavours. Many times when silence speaks, it may be louder than a thousand voices, and you don’t want to hear silence speak.

Never disregard your other parts, your relations and networks. Don’t get too carried away by the successes in your little world. Someone noted that the strike began to be ineffective the day affiliate unions in the NLC disassociated themselves or withdrew support for the strike. So, build and nurture your networks.

Be creative and not always predictable. One of my interviewees predicted the pattern the strike will take until resolution. I can confirm that his prediction was on point. Learn to think outside the box. As a way forward, we must ideate new strategies by being creative in thoughts, words and actions.

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