Hats off to MTN’s game – changer Phutuma Nhleko.
Faced with an unprecedented fine from Nigerian authorities, there were many routes that MTN could have chosen to ‘ play the game right’- moving forward.
Of course ,the best would be to create a win -win situation. Which MTN have chosen to do by looking at the bigger picture – and understanding Nigeria’s touch points.
Nigeria would do well to take heed of what the Australian government are currently doing to decrease its reliance on resources – to look to attract increased foreign investment to do this , and to capitalize on an opportunity to move towards a more diversified economy.
This would certainly make Nigeria’s decision to slap MTN with an unprecedented fine look short sighted – in the wake of continued low oil prices.
Foreign investors will now take note of a seemingly unfair business environment and steer well clear of future investments – unless they can be reassured by Nigeria’s recently elected Muhammadu Buhari.
So, in effect the Nigerian authorities have created two losers – MTN and themselves.
MTN has played the game right by seeking to point this out to Nigerian authorities – that a win/win is possible.
Unfortunately, it will take the Nigerian courts to once again help politicians to see the light of day.
It’s also a key learning for BRAND SOUTH AFRICA.
Our country leaders and our business leaders need to move closer and ever more closer in 2016 and beyond
to build win/win scenarios.
Hats off to Phutuma Nhleko, Pravin Gordhan, Brian Molefe and many other great South Africans who are playing the game just right.
- Rob’s new book: The Game Changers: Good to Great to Greater is available FREE to readers as an instant digital download on his site : www.thegameplan.co.za
