Why Focus On Core Business In An Election Year Is A Must

Elective politics has its obvious seasons, and this is the season of pomp and fanfare.

A message is currently circulating on social media that Members of Parliament, Senators and MCAs are taking calls and acknowledging the caller by name. They had discontinued the practice soon after getting elected.

The economy, for many people, has been a constant topic. Most took a thorough beating over the past three years. And the political generosity around the campaigns is a much welcome gesture for those beaten senseless by the economic fundamentals gone south at the micro-level.

Rent-a-crowd politicopreneurs abound. They can mobilise a decent crowd on short notice in return for a listening allowance. The masses have been around since time immemorial. But my message is not for these crowds. It is for you the businessman, the senior executive, the decent lady minding her grind.

You will be called upon as part of a think-tank or a strategy unit. If you get approached, first savour the moment. Feel flattered, loved, wanted or needed. But remember that this is not your core business, so, let me share some things to do in managing such advances.

First, get to know the vision of the contender and how differently they shall have things done vis a vis the incumbent. If they are not comfortable with your questions, that is a red flag for a typical use-and-damp politician. Take to the hills before Methuselah breathes his last, even if just to thank him for teaching us that: hurry, hurry has no blessings.

If the first test checks out, then find out who else is on the team and why. If you find dubious characters in the team, flee faster than a flee would off a dog because those people don't match up to the associates expected of your job or occupation. You are lowering your own bar and admitting nincompoops into your inner space, a hard-earned place just to open up for anyone.

If all is well thus far, ask for the agenda and plan of action. If you don't see some days set aside for proper planning, or a situation called planning-on-the-go is the modus Operandi, then it is time to step away. Good leadership leaves nothing to chance.

With a good plan in place, it is time to start your monitoring and evaluation of the execution as the elections draw closer.

Granted, many dynamics are at play but a clear demonstration to keep the plan's ideals alive is critical for your continued support of the candidate. If they pass the nomination stage, then your plan goes on, but if they are unsuccessful, you may want to lend the experience to the victorious candidate, subject to all the above aligning with your ideals.

Remember that as all these things are happening, your job needs you. If your job feels less important to the voluntary political role you play, then know that you are treading on dangerous grounds. Those around you will pick it from your tone and arguments.

Good politics yields better standards of living through jobs, economic activity and peace. Why lose your job now to a political process that never churns out better lives?

Are you on the bandwagon for the greater good of man or for your selfish ends? The latter is often the case and it follows that these types often lose their footing on their knees once the elections are gone. And chances are 7/10 that you will lick your wounds because that is the national failure rate of politicians from independence to date. Sometimes even harsher percentages apply.

Why put yourself on the chopping block when your job is smooth sailing?

If you must support a politician, insist on a contract. We are now told that the word "trust" is associated more with a contraceptive than it is with the essence of the word itself. So, my friend, you know yourself. Be warned.