Dominica and The Default Option

Most of us are stuck with the defaults. The ring tones on your mobile, the default display on your PC and your typed letters still end with the same default closings that you started using 10 years ago. But the worse default, is the “default of business”. Is there any rotation in the Dominica business thought, practice and example? How are we shaping up for the future? Sadly this article will not answer these questions (sadder still, this is not a strong finish for your first paragraph).

French was and still is the default foreign language taught at school. I failed it miserably, and did not even reach as far as 4th form with it (Spanish also). In December 2004 I started learning Mandarin (are you laughing yet? Everyone else seems to relish in humour about it), Mr. DV says that’s not a bad idea as China will become the next super power. I read that the Chinese economy is growing three times as fast as the US - and infinitely better. Chinese growth comes from making things, not buying them. (Chinese are reported to save 40% of what they earn.)

I figure that as that tiger economy fortifies its position in the Caribbean and the rest of the world, and as we ask and borrow and they give and lend, we certainly won’t be calling upon the secondary school skills of French to help. China's insatiable thirst for energy and raw materials means tapping into the continents opportunities will only be inevitable (don’t ask me how soon). But how are you going to communicate at the highest level, how are you going to gain trust at an even higher level. As most of us remain in our time bubbles oblivious to the taunts of the future, its those individuals who build their own road map of what their/the future, and think AHEAD of the opportunities that will exist, only they will reap the true rewards. (I had a feeling you would disagree with me – I respect the forever role of French in our culture, BUT, the dollar value of French and Chinese will be the only real significance – Well Japan donated $500m to Tsunami aid victims, do you learn their language too?) As cultures grow and evolve, what new skill will take your company ahead or will the competition lead the way.

Do you know the board of directors of the company you work for? Success and the way forward for your company is determined by one mode of thought, and how dare you question and theorize a more effective and efficient solution, we are the board, and our reign is supreme, so Ibrahim says “exalted are the BOARD of DIRECTORS”. Too many boards devour the premise “if it works don’t fix it”. A new board (2nd & 3rd generation) will be faced with preparing for two races for their Dominica companies, the 100m dash to catch up what was lost and the endurance race to pace the company for seizing a potential future where it dominates.

About 3 months ago I was sparing on MSN with a Jamaican colleague I worked with in the UK about “competitive companies”, and he says “my yute, don’t bring dem text book examples to me, bring some regional and national arguments”. I realized he was right, and I had no solid or credible national or regional example in my vault.

Consider these simple cost cutting and more effective alternatives for your company;

• A computer that handles all your facsimile needs –get rid of the default fax machine,
  
• Multi-task, challenge, but please rotate your employees –they are bored and they will leave, but not before they have exploited your careless default routines for their personal fulfillment,
  
• Consider the internet to advertise – your default efforts are expensive and yield mediocre results at best. In 2005, try forgetting one 10 year old organizational procedure and adopt two silly procedures for efficiency (that works).