Strong work ethics matter

A strong work ethic is a key ingredient in enhancing the success of a startup. It entails your ability to deliver on time, paying attention to details and deadlines, showing up on time for work, meetings and appointments, communicating clearly plus going the extra mile. Classic examples of a poor work ethic are scenarios of individuals who report late for work with ‘rain’ as an excuse or the failure to report to work on a weekday with the excuse of a ‘burial’. Those two may seem genuine reasons for failure to attend to one’s duties but not far away from Kampala, in Nairobi, the picture is different. Burials are handled on weekends and rain is never an excuse for reporting to work late. Some sources say that the strong work ethic portrayed by our neighbours spans from the colonial era as a result of the colonialists settling there and developing industries and farms which needed a lot of manpower to attend to, leading to the cultivation of a working culture from the nation’s early age. Similarly, startups demand a strong work ethic from bottom – up in the hierarchy of command. But just what are the key ingredients in fostering a strong work ethic?

Lead by example as the founder
The startup’s founder should have a strong work ethic. He or she should be disciplined with their time and deadlines. There is a normal belief that if a father’s child is a cigarette smoker, chances are high that the child will as well end up a smoker.

Eliminate time wasters
Some organisations are on record for having banned Facebook and Twitter during work hours. Such actions are necessary if at all such platforms are not necessary in getting the job done.
Instill a sense of responsibility
There are common Luganda phrases, ‘Tebinkwatako’ implying ‘I’m not concerned at all’, or ‘ofaayo ki’ implying ‘what’s your worry?’ The phrases utter out an aspect of a lack of passion where individuals fail to go the extra mile just because the back of their responsibility stops at being an employee. It is of paramount importance as the founder to inculcate a sense of belonging.

Paul Njuguna is a financial and cost accountant. Email:paul@paulnjuguna.com