The key reason that led to writing of Career Dynamics in the 21st Century was mainly to bring out solutions of how disempowerment can be PRACTICALLY sorted out. Largely, it had been realized that more than 80% of employed Kenyans are dispassionate about their work/careers. This naturally leads to wastage of human capital efforts as well as educational resources. It also contributes greatly to the well known mediocrity in our country, doesn’t it?
More still, it had become evident that more than 50% of Kenyan graduates are and continue being unemployed or largely unemployable. Seemingly, majority of the lucky ones to be employed, join the list of those that are dispassionate, isnt it?
In that situation, majority employees are influenced by extrinsic motivation. That may largely not help them to deal with Change, Dynamic technology, and continued competition.
The good news is that the solutions advocated borrow widely from biblical, scientific and philosophical principles. There are numerous references from the biblical perspectives, the foremost in my view being Ist Peter 4 verse 10. It says, “use your God given gifts to serve others.” Science says, “Follow your natural orientations for you to get what you want in life.” Philosophy indicates that “we are all supposed to contribute towards the improvement of the welfare of the society.” But, do we really observe these principles?
Obviously, failure to embrace the same has far reaching consequencies. Since we cannot discuss all of them in this forum at once, let is consider one that is quite disorienting, even though the impact is not immediately noticeable. Have you ever imagined that making the wrong choices could lead to drug addiction?
Indeed, challenged choices lead to loss of strategic direction. Associated stress in studies or even real life leads to attraction towards drugs, which starts from very humble beginnings. It could be led by addiction to tea, panadol, ciggarettes etc all with the aim of seeking relaxition from stress.
When one source of relaxition fails to satisfy the expectations, it becomes easy to graduate to other forms, such as from cigarettes to “bangi” and eventually to hard drugs or narcotics. Others graduate from usual beer to illicit brews, while still aimg to relax from stress. Eventual addiction easily becomes a lead to destruction of one’s life.
The case of Mwema, followed for many years could be of interest. Though he was a good student right from primary to secondary school, he was not sure of what exactly he wanted to become after school. After performing well in KCSE, Mwema was encouraged to pursue a career in teaching and was admitted to a Teacher Training College for a Diploma Course on the same.
Soon thereafter, another opportunity presented itself. Mwema was invited to yet another college, but this time to pursue a 2 year course through one of the Animal Health and Industry Training Institutes (AHITI). Immediately, he abandoned the teacher training and joined AHITI.
Mwema completed the two year training successfully. Sadly however, the government abandoned engagement of AHITI graduates and left them on their own. Mwema was able to secure jobs in large farms practicing animal husbandry for some years. Alongside, he lost interest in such jobs and opted to seek other opportunities.
Mwema secured a job in a bank and worked for a while as a bank clerk. Upon expiry of his 2 year or so contract, he was still able to secure a job as a sales representative in a small and medium enterprise – SME firm, which employed him for many years. During this engagement, Mwema settled down and never sought any other change. It is not that he was comfortable, but was rather tired of changing careers.
To tone down his frustrations, Mwema had become a heavy smoker and was eventually attracted to hard drinks. It is these two habits that eventually clamed Mwema’s life, in his early 50s.
The concerns have been; had Mwema understood his natural orientations early and pursued the same, how could his life have been? If Mwema had discovered and pursued his passion, could he have been attracted to these destructive habits, which eventually claimed his life? How many Kenyans could be going through similar experiences as those of Mwema?
Notably, people who are passionate about the work they do, become addicted to work rather than drugs. Seemingly, inability of realizing natural orientations for our future leaders could be disastrous and should therefore not be left to chance, isn’t it?
FYI
Our empowerment mission this week was embraced by a Nairobi School having about 80 teachers. The school runs both 8-4-4 Curriculum as well as the General Certificate of Education – GCE of UK – United Kingdom. It was quite a pleasant experience of empowering teachers who are preparing future leaders of different worlds.
The good news is that these teachers were educated locally, thus easy to interact with. Most importantly, they now understand the philosophy of the CBC – Competency Based Curriculum and the importance of it’s application. Most importantly, they are now in the 21st Century both mentally and physically, as opposed to their situation before our seminar titled ” Re- Creating the Future Today. Other participants are still very WELCOME!!!
Rgds
Mwangi Wanjumbi (MKIM)
Personal Empowerment Coach
Seasoned Speaker/Consultant Trainer on Strategy, Performance, Change Management and Leadership.
Competency Based Curriculum-CBC Architect
Author of 1. KICD approved Career Dynamics in the 21st Century, 2. Living Beyond Survival:No More Tiptoeing in Life
- The 21st Century Student:Are You Creating The Future Today? Also, Retired 5 Year Monthly Strategy Columnist (2013 – 2018) for The SME Today Magazine Phone 254772516210
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