UNDERSTANDING HOW TO EXCEL IN OUR PRESENT SOCIAL

UNDERSTANDING HOW TO EXCEL IN OUR PRESENT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT By Dr Sunny Eshiotse

Introduction. . And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do… 1 Chron. 12: 32 This scripture vividly advocates an informed attitude to the social and economic dynamics of one’s environment.

How do we response? 1. Begin with a self SWOT analysis: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats This exercise must be done with sincerity, if the outcome is to be beneficial

How…? 2. Conduct SWOT analysis of your environment to identify what is and what is not available, including the gaps and opportunities 3. Propose a plan to address identified gaps and opportunities, which can be: Short-term Long-term

How…? 4. Acquire or develop mastery and proficiency in area(s) of comparative advantage through: Training/education Re-training/further education Consider re-skilling to acquire practical, manipulative, easily sellable skills, if and where necessary.

How…? Because rivalry and intense competition characterise the goods and services market, 5. Support with appropriate soft skills such as courtesy, interpersonal communication and other people skills

How…? 6. Develop or integrate into a network. You may not be able to go it alone; so you need to leverage on relationship with others in your area of business. Learn from the politics surrounding enthronement of David after the death of King Saul, 2 Sam. 19: 9 -15

How…? 7. Keep in touch with relevant innovations and development in the goods and services market to remain competitive. 8. Make a ‘statement’ of excellence with your goods and or service -that little extra that separates you others. from

How…? 9. Submit to mentoring-to learn those very fine details of ‘how to’ that can never be found in books or manuals. …after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions…. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with man and God. Lk. 2: 46 and 52