The title Big brother in Africa probably conjures images of half naked women in the shower or drama filled situations exploding between a group of Africans who chose to be locked up in a house so they could win a large cash prize. If you're an avid reader then the title would have stirred memores of the book 1984 by George Orwell in which he describes an authoritarian society where big brother rules by fear and by watching everyone to make sure they stay in line. As it were, the concept for the Big Brother realty show is derived from Orwell's book however the only relevant thing to keep in mind right now is the picture of somone watching over you.
In reality, big brother means something totally diferent in a household setting. A big brother in this context is someone you look up to, someone you trust completely, someone you know will always guide and protect you. A big brother is indeed, always watching over you. It doesn't matter whether you're a first, second, third or last born in the family, the meaning of a big brother or sister will be the same. If you're an only child you've probably yearned to have or to be a big brother or sister for the same reasons. Its funny then that as soon as you start working, you think you can handle it on your own.
In today's corporate environment, a big brother is needed. And its important to highligt from the onset that having a big brother at work or to help you with your busness is not a sign of weaness or a reflection that you're not as skilled as you think you are. Quite obviously, the big brother I'm talking about here is a mentor. Speak to any successful business man or woman or any individual at the pinnacle of their career and you will discover that most have or had a mentor. Many of them were spotted by their mentors who then helped them to elevate themselves to points even they may not have been aware they could reach... but in today's corporate world, you need to actively seek and find good mentors.
A good mentor will guide you, not control you. They will connect you with other mentors or business contacts and above all, they will ground you whenever your ego starts to get in the way. Good mentors can be found in almost any industry at various levels. South Africa has several recommended mentorsip programmes or you could simply get in touch with that person who inspired you to be what yo are today in the firstplace. Like a big brother, a mentor is relevant whether you're fresh out of varsity or college or already active in the workplace, whether you're just starting that business or its been up for a while but not performing to your expectations.
Photographer: Kunta Kinte
Great article, for a second I freaked out when I saw the thumbnail on facebook, I'm like "how the &*^% did my little brother end up on S83?"
Yes mentors are very important and I like how you used the big brother oenology , it is a fitting concept. I especially relate to the situation of being the only child, for a while I was the only child before Tebogo and Metja came along, hardest times ever, had to fight my own fights always, until I met a distinguished young man named Pule Mohapi, who in tern ended up being my mentor / friend / business partner
LMAO!
Unfortunately there are very few young professionals who recognise or understand the value of a mentor...
Mentors are vital but we lack them at the same time - I tried the other day to reach out to a magazine editor well i was kinda seeking mentor ship but i was not blunt about it. It didn't work out - they were not receptive. Hmmm maybe i should try again, no? - maybe with different approach this time ...
Hey, if not a different approach, a different mentor...