What African Business Leaders Can Learn From America

 

VENTURES AFRICA – ‘Fourth of July’ or July 4, 1776 marked the day the United States officially attained freedom from British rule, starting what would be a long road towards becoming the World’s most powerful nation.
During its 265 years since independence, the US has grown into formidable global power. It is revered for its political might, economic powerhouse, a military juggernaut and a hub for innovative inventions.
There is a saying that the president of the United States is the leader of the free world. This is probably due to fact that the president of the United States has a say in almost any decision that affects the world’s economy or political landscape. A policy endorsed by America is most likely to be respected by any other country in the world.

Also, ten out of the top 20 largest commercial conglomerates have roots in the United States. Some of the greatest and richest musicians including the late Michael Jackson and Beyonce all hail from the world’s top nation. Business moguls like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Henry Ford and Michael Dell also from the United States. The Dollars worth has made it the world’s currency. Economic and financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF are greatly influenced by USA. These facts could suggest that an economic collapse experienced in the United States could cause damage in the world’s economy.
While some African business leaders have chosen to wrap themselves around some constraints, they could learn a thing or two from the United States.
One of such lessons is the need to MAINTAIN THE NUMBER ONE SPOT. The United States is often referred to as the number one country in the world and it keeps striving to maintain that position. Take a cue from Bill Gates who is known as an American business magnate, a philanthropist, an investor, a computer programmer and an inventor. He alongside Paul Allen founded Microsoft, the world’s largest personal computer software company. Over the years, Bill has consistently been ranked in the list of the world’s wealthiest people. He was wealthiest overall from to 2009—excluding 2008, when he was ranked third. In 2011, he was the world’s second wealthiest person and must have been uncomfortable with his new position because by May 2013, he was number 1 again. As of June 2014, he is still the richest. Business leaders need to strive to always be the best. Get rid of mediocrity!
These statistics show that over the years, Bill Gates did whatever necessary to maintain the top spot. He could not have done this without the right set of people on his team.
This goes to show the need to understand that INDIVIDUALS ALSO COUNT. The United States would not have risen to its enviable position today without the input and achievements of many of its citizens. The American military force which has spanned over two centuries is referred to as the most technologically advanced and the most sophisticated military force. This force comprises of the most patriotic men and women the world can find. These individuals have over the years, defended and represented the United States and are definitely a big part of the reason America is referred to as the number one country in the world. With the right individuals making up the right team running a business, that business can and will succeed.
Their involvement and participation in defending many countries of Africa and indeed the world has distinguished them. A very recent example being their involvement in the search of the over 200 missing Nigerian school girls. One fact about the American military is that they have a STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT. Every business venture needs a strategy to succeed. Strategic management provides overall direction to the enterprise and involves specifying the organization’s objectives, developing policies and plans designed to achieve these objectives, and then allocating resources to implement the plans.
Most countries in the world can testify to the involvement of the United States in solving problems being faced in their countries. This shows that EXPANSION AND INFLUENCE IS A NECCESSITY. Once your business attains a certain level of growth and maturity, it is necessary to expand. Expansion gives room for more growth. While some African business leaders have chosen to wrap themselves around so many constraints, the United States on the other hand is not bound by words like “LIMITATION”.
Two hundred and sixty five years and counting, the United States has grown and will continue to grow and as such, will continue to offer more lessons to growing economies such as Africa’s.