In our professional lives, we develop transferable skills—communication, planning, initiative, teamwork, and problem-solving—that form the bedrock of our success. Yet, it’s puzzling that when it comes to building our stokvels, clubs, or societies, we often leave these vital skills behind.
Communication is fundamental in the workplace, where we articulate thoughts clearly and listen actively. However, in stokvels, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that may dissolve even the most promising groups. Imagine if we applied the same level of communication finesse in stokvels that we do at work—how many disagreements could we avoid?
Planning is another critical skill we hone at work, excelling in administration, meticulous record-keeping, and ensuring projects run smoothly. Yet, in our stokvels, we often neglect these abilities, leading to disputes over poorly maintained documents and unplanned activities. How many stokvels have faltered due to poor administration? By leveraging our workplace planning skills, we could build stronger, more resilient groups.
Initiative drives innovation and progress in our professional lives. But why do stokvels often stifle initiative? Why does it matter who came up with an idea if it benefits the group? If we embraced the same mindset in our stokvels, we could unlock a wealth of creative ideas and opportunities.
Teamwork is another area where we excel professionally, working with diverse teams to achieve common goals. Yet, in our stokvels, we sometimes struggle to collaborate effectively. Why can we work well with various people at work but falter in our own communities? Emphasizing teamwork in our stokvels could lead to more cohesive and productive groups.
Finally, problem-solving is a skill we use daily to navigate challenges at work. Conflict and differing opinions are inevitable in any group dynamic, including stokvels. But instead of applying the problem-solving principles we use at work, we often let differences tear our groups apart.
By bringing the same level of problem-solving acumen to our stokvels, we could transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and unity.
The transferable skills we master at work are not just for our jobs; they are invaluable tools that can help us build thriving stokvels. By consciously applying these skills, we can ensure that our stokvels not only survive but flourish, becoming powerful engines of community support and financial empowerment. It’s time we stop leaving our skills at the office and start using them to build the stokvel communities we envision. These skills can certainly enrich and sustain our stokvels.
-By Siphumelele Nene