The Sunday Mail
ZIMBABWE has immense potential as it is rich in natural resources, human capital and cultural diversity. It can overcome its challenges and prosper if we adopt the correct mindset.
Dr Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo
A mindset that is positive, transformative, responsible, strategic and collective.
A mindset that seeks home-grown solutions that are relevant and sustainable for our context. A mindset that embraces our differences and works towards a common agenda and direction. This is the mindset that we need to develop Zimbabwe and achieve our vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
Positivity
The first element of a correct mindset is positivity. We need to be optimistic and hopeful about our country and its prospects. We need to celebrate our achievements and successes, regardless of how big or small they are.
We need to appreciate our strengths and opportunities, rather than focusing on our weaknesses and threats. We need to acknowledge our challenges and problems, and also look for solutions and alternatives.
Positivity is not about denying reality or being naive. It is about having a constructive attitude that sees possibilities and potential in every situation.
It is about being resilient and persistent in the face of difficulties and setbacks. It is about being confident and courageous in pursuing our goals and dreams.
Positivity is contagious and inspiring. It can motivate us to work harder and smarter, to innovate and create, to co-operate and collaborate. It can also attract positive outcomes and results, as we attract what we think and feel.
Positivity can change our perception of ourselves, our country and the world.
Mindset transformation
The second element of a correct mindset is mindset transformation. We need to change the way we think and act, to align with our vision and values. We need to challenge the negative beliefs and stereotypes that have been ingrained in us by colonialism, oppression, corruption and propaganda.
We need to embrace new ideas and perspectives that are progressive, inclusive and empowering.
Mindset transformation is not about imposing or copying foreign models or ideologies.
It is about finding our own identity and voice, based on our history, culture and aspirations.
It is about learning from others and ourselves. It is about being open-minded, curious, critical and discerning.
Mindset transformation is a process of self-discovery and self-development.
It requires us to reflect on our assumptions and biases; to question our habits and behaviours, and to explore our passions and talents.
It also requires us to act on our insights and convictions, to apply our knowledge and skills, and to express our opinions and feelings.
Mindset transformation can enable us to grow as individuals and as a nation. It can help us to discover our purpose and potential, to unleash our creativity and productivity, to enhance our well-being and happiness.
Collective responsibility to develop Zimbabwe
The third element of a correct mindset is collective responsibility.
We need to take ownership of our country’s development and destiny. We need to contribute our time, energy, resources and expertise to the national cause. We need to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and outcomes.
Collective responsibility is not about shifting blame or waiting for others to act. It is about recognising that we are all stakeholders in Zimbabwe’s future, regardless of our political, ethnic, religious or social affiliations.
It is about realising that we are all interdependent and interconnected, that what affects one affects all. It is about understanding that we are all part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Collective responsibility is a duty and an opportunity. It gives us a sense of belonging and pride in our country.
It also gives us a chance to make a difference and leave a legacy for future generations.
Strategic thinking
The fourth element of a correct mindset is strategic thinking. We need to plan ahead and anticipate the changes and challenges that lie ahead. We need to set clear goals and priorities that are aligned with our vision and values.
We need to devise effective strategies and tactics that are realistic and adaptable.
Strategic thinking is not about being rigid or dogmatic; it is about being flexible and responsive to the changing environment. It is about being proactive and prepared for the opportunities and threats that may arise.
It is about being pragmatic and resourceful in finding ways to achieve our objectives.
Strategic thinking is a skill and an art.
It requires us to analyse data and information, to synthesise ideas and insights, and to evaluate options and alternatives. It also requires us to communicate clearly and persuasively, to co-ordinate actions and resources, and to monitor progress and feedback.
Strategic thinking can help us to navigate the complex and uncertain world that we live in.
It can help us to optimise our performance and results, to maximise our impact and influence, and to minimise our risks and costs.
Deploy strategic thinkers in key areas of governance
The fifth element of a correct mindset is to deploy strategic thinkers in key areas of governance.
We need to have leaders and managers who can think and act strategically, who can lead and inspire others, and who can deliver and sustain results. We need to have people who have the vision, the values, the competence and the character to serve the nation with integrity and excellence.
Deploying strategic thinkers in key areas of governance is not about favouritism or nepotism. It is about meritocracy and professionalism. It is about selecting and appointing people based on their qualifications, experience and track record. It is about rewarding and promoting people based on their performance, contribution and impact.
Deploying strategic thinkers in key areas of governance is a necessity and a priority.
It can ensure that we have a capable and accountable public sector that can provide quality services and goods to the citizens.
It can also ensure that we have a conducive and competitive business environment that can attract investment and innovation.
Collective agenda
The sixth element of a correct mindset is collective agenda. We need to have a shared vision and mission for our country, one that reflects our common interests and aspirations.
We need to have a common understanding of our challenges and opportunities, which informs our policies and programmes. We need to have a common framework of values and principles, which guides our actions and decisions.
Collective agenda is not about uniformity or conformity. It is about diversity and harmony.
It is about respecting and appreciating our differences, but also finding our similarities and commonalities. It is not only about acknowledging and accommodating our conflicts, but also seeking our consensus and cooperation.
Collective agenda is a foundation and a direction. It provides us with a sense of identity and direction as a nation.
It also provides us with a basis and a reference for dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders.
Collective mindset
The seventh element of a correct mindset is collective mindset. We need to think and act as one nation, one people, one family. We need to support and empower each other, to complement and synergise our efforts, and to celebrate and appreciate our achievements.
We need to trust and respect each other, to listen and understand each other, and to forgive and reconcile with each other.
Collective mindset is not about losing or compromising our individuality or autonomy.
It is about enhancing or enriching our collective identity or destiny.
It is about realising that we are stronger together than apart, that we can achieve more together than alone. It is about embracing the spirit of Ubuntu, which states: “I am, because we are.”
Collective mindset is an attitude and a culture. It shapes how we relate and interact with each other, how we co-operate and coordinate with each other, how we communicate and share with each other.
Collective mindset can foster social cohesion and national unity. It can create a sense of belonging and solidarity among Zimbabweans.
It can also create a positive image and reputation for Zimbabwe in the world.
Use of home-grown solutions
The eighth element of a correct mindset is use of home-grown solutions.
We need to use our own resources, knowledge, skills and creativity to solve our own problems and meet our own needs. We need to leverage on our own strengths, opportunities, traditions and innovations to create value and wealth for ourselves and others.
We need to rely on our own agency, initiative, resilience and self-reliance to overcome our challenges and achieve our goals.
Use of home-grown solutions is not about isolation or rejection of external assistance or influence. It is about ownership or empowerment of ourselves and our solutions.
It is about relevance or suitability of our solutions to our context and situation.
It is about sustainability or durability of our solutions for ourselves and future generations.
Use of home-grown solutions is an expression and an affirmation of our sovereignty and dignity as a nation.
It shows that we are capable and confident of finding our own way forward; that we are responsible and accountable for our own development; that we are proud of our own achievements.
One direction
The ninth element of a correct mindset is taking one direction as a nation.
We need to move forward together as one nation, towards our shared vision and mission. We need to align our actions and decisions with our collective agenda and values.
We need to co-ordinate our efforts and resources with each other, to avoid duplication or contradiction. One direction as a nation is not about suppressing or ignoring dissenting views or voices. It is about harmonising or integrating diverse perspectives or opinions.
It is about finding common ground or mutual benefit among competing interests or agendas. It is about building consensus or agreement on key issues or priorities.
One direction as a nation is a strategy and an advantage. It enables us to focus and optimise our resources and efforts, to achieve our goals and objectives more efficiently and effectively. It also enables us to project and enhance our influence and impact, to advance our interests and values more assertively and convincingly.
Refocused thinking
The tenth element of a correct mindset is refocused thinking. We need to shift our attention and energy from the past to the present, and to the future. We need to learn from our mistakes and failures, and move on from them. We need to heal from our wounds and traumas, and overcome them.
We need to remember our history and heritage, and also create our legacy and destiny.
Refocused thinking is not about forgetting or denying our past. It is about accepting or resolving our past. It is about using our past as a source of wisdom or inspiration, not as a source of bitterness or resentment.
It is about using our past as a platform or springboard, not as a burden or obstacle.
Refocused thinking is a choice and a challenge. It requires us to let go of our regrets and grudges, to embrace our opportunities and possibilities. It also requires us to face our fears and uncertainties, and to pursue our dreams and aspirations.
Refocused thinking can help us to live in the present and prepare for the future. It can help us to enjoy and appreciate what we have, to create and achieve what we want.
It can also help us to cope and adapt to the changes and challenges that we face, to grow and evolve as individuals and as a nation.
Correct ideological thinking
The eleventh element of a correct mindset is the right ideological thinking.
We need to have a coherent and consistent set of beliefs and values that inform our worldview.
We need to have a clear and compelling vision and mission that guide our actions and decisions. We need to have sound and rational logic and reasoning that support our arguments and opinions.
Correct ideological thinking is not about dogmatism or fanaticism. It is about clarity or understanding of ourselves and our environment. It is about conviction or commitment to our principles and ideals.
It is about evidence or justification of our claims and positions.
Correct ideological thinking is a framework and a tool.
It helps us to organise and interpret the information and knowledge that we acquire, to evaluate and critique the ideas and opinions that we encounter, to generate and communicate the solutions and alternatives that we propose.
Correct ideological thinking can help us to develop a strong and positive identity and personality as Zimbabweans.
It can help us to assert and defend our sovereignty and dignity as a nation.
It can also help us to contribute and participate in the global community as responsible and respectable citizens of the world.
Setting aside differences
The twelfth element of a correct mindset is to put our differences aside. We need to recognise that we are a diverse nation, with different backgrounds, cultures, languages, religions, ideologies, preferences, et cetera.
We need to respect that diversity, as it enriches our nation and makes us unique. We need to celebrate that diversity, as it reflects our history and heritage.
Putting our differences aside is not about ignoring or erasing our diversity.
It is about transcending or overcoming our diversity.
It is about finding common ground or mutual understanding among our differences.
It is about building bridges or connections across our differences.
Putting our differences aside is an act of tolerance and respect. It shows that we value and appreciate each other, despite or because of our differences.
It also shows that we trust and cooperate with each other, despite or because of our differences.
Putting our differences aside can foster peace and harmony in our society.
It can prevent or resolve conflicts and violence that may arise from our differences. It can also promote or enhance social cohesion and national unity that may benefit from our differences.
Conclusion
By and large, Zimbabwe is a country with great potential.
To realise that potential and overcome those challenges, we need a correct mindset that puts Zimbabwe first. A mindset that is positive, transformative, responsible, strategic, collective, home-grown, focused, ideological and tolerant.
A mindset that can enable us to develop Zimbabwe into a prosperous, peaceful and proud nation.
Dr Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo is head of the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking. He can be contacted at: [email protected]
