June 2023 | BUSINESS FLEET AFRICA
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characterised by a series of unknown
unknowns, leaving us with a scarcity of
certainty. It is evident that the future will
not be a mere extension of the past, and
yesterday’s success cannot guarantee
tomorrow’s profits,” cautions Pretorius.
Leadership’s crucial role
“Leadership truly matters. It is an essen-
tial prerequisite for sustainable success,
akin to electricity that powers countries,
organisations, businesses, sports teams,
and families towards a better future.
In fact, as John Maxwell, a well-known
American author, asserts that everything
rises and falls on leadership. Without
quality leadership, people metaphori-
cally stumble in the darkness, devoid of
direction. The inevitable consequence
of a lack of competent leadership is poor
results,” says Pretorius.
“Conversely, in the presence of
quality leadership, the lights come on,
people find direction, become motivated
and inspired, and deliver outstanding
results. leadership is the key enabler
and critical success factor. Effective
leadership unleashes human advantage,
optimising engagement, contribution,
and commitment. Leaders, however,
can only achieve this through their
people’s unwavering commitment and
effort. Effective Leadership, therefore,
represents the most potent competitive
advantage for any organisation,” adds
Pretorius.
Aim for an engaged workforce
Pretorius sets the stage by highlighting
that true leadership goes beyond simply
instructing and demanding compliance.
“The ultimate goal is cultivating an
engaged workforce where individuals
wholeheartedly embrace their organ-
isation’s mission, vision, and values.
Engaged employees become passionate
contributors, innovative problem
solvers and a joy to work with. They
willingly offer their intelligence, energy,
loyalty, and contribute spontaneously,”
says Pretorius.
Igniting hope: embracing a
future of possibilities
Pretorius believes that hope for the fu-
ture, both for our country and businesses,
is paramount. “Hope has become an
increasingly scarce commodity in a world
marred by despair. We find ourselves
in a country where hope and despair
coexist on the same street as if locked in
an eternal tug-of-war. These are trying
times, where the courage to sustain hope
is a precious virtue. However, the harsh
reality is that hope shedding has become
a consequence of load shedding, the
literal and metaphorical dimming of our
aspirations,” says Pretorius.
“But let us not lose sight of the power
we possess to infuse hope into our lives
and the lives of others”. Pretorius, a
beacon of wisdom, reminds us that to
give hope, we must first embody hope
ourselves. We must become optimistic
believers, actively engaging in the verb
of hope. It calls upon us to complain
less, reach out more, give generously,
and make a difference. Through action,
we dispel fear and kindle the flames
of optimism.
Engaging in community upliftment
projects is key to fostering a sense of
purpose that transcends daily work
tasks. Leading by example when it
comes to caring for your community will
inspire and motivate your team, instilling
a sense of pride and fuelling engage-
ment and loyalty. Involve your staff in
corporate social responsibility initiatives,
allowing them to contribute meaningful-
ly. “The Rally to Read case study stands
as a testament to the transformative
power of such endeavours, leaving an in-
delible mark on the culture at McCarthy
during Pretorius’ tenure. Remember, it is
better to light a candle than to curse the
darkness,” reminds Pretorius.
Extend a firm handshake to the future
“Seize the future with unwavering
confidence, for leaders cannot afford to
succumb to fear. Instead, extend a firm
handshake to the future, signifying your
readiness to embrace its possibilities.
As leaders, we must uphold a positive
vision, shunning toxic conversations and
the downward spiral of negativity. We
must make plans that inspire confidence,
channelling the spirit of Helen Keller’s
wisdom. Hope, she proclaimed, has
the extraordinary ability to see the
invisible, feel the intangible, and achieve
the impossible. It is hope that propels
society forward, and the future of our
country hinges upon the hopefulness
that permeates every facet of our
actions. Without hope, we remain
prisoners of yesterday and today,
shackled by our worst fears. Let us
break free from these chains and forge
a path illuminated by unwavering hope,”
concludes Pretorius. BFA