Do what works!
Be passionate about what works!
Become better at what works!
Fantasise about what works!
Do what works!
The above mantra is a captivating and thrilling philosophical blueprint that should be at the forefront of one’s thoughts if they are living in Zimbabwe today.
As the nation navigates the current environment, an effective leadership mindset has become a critical factor in sustaining momentum. As the country seeks to revitalise its economy, policymakers must adopt a pragmatic approach that prioritises effectiveness over ideology. The mantra “do what works” offers a refreshing alternative to dogmatic economic policies, allowing Zimbabwe to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances.
The “do what works” mantra, encapsulates the essence of resilience, adaptability and innovation required to thrive in Zimbabwe’s current economic landscape. Looking at pragmatism, it puts emphasis on a practicality, effectiveness and results-oriented mindset, “do what works” digs out the soil that gets people bogged down by ideologies and conventional wisdom. It rather looks at striving to do better at what works, embracing a growth mindset and a culture of innovation.
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Open letter to President Mnangagwa
- Feature: ‘It’s worse right now than under Mugabe’: Sikhala pays the price of opposition in solitary cell
- Masvingo turns down fire tender deal
Keep Reading
On the downside however, such mantra, if mishandled, might become cynical towards a limited innovation zone within the mind yet it is an unveiling of an equation that works best for individuals with an ambitious taste for personal growth.
The phrase “Do what works” is an important mindset each and every Zimbabwean needs to have.
It cuts through dogma as by prioritising practicality and effectiveness, individuals look beyond rigid ideologies and focus on what actually delivers results.
Adaptability is fostered as the approach recognises that what works today may not work tomorrow as this is inspired by embracing a growth mindset where individuals can adapt to changing circumstances and find new solutions as this is the case with the today’s economy.
This principle can be applied in all institutions by management and individuals in their personal space of leadership.
Do what works encourages experimentation as it implies a willingness to try new approaches and experiment with different solutions.
This mindset is essential for innovation and progress. In addition, a results-oriented culture is promoted.
By focusing on what works, individuals and organisations can create a culture that values results and effectiveness over ideology or tradition.
As a Zimbabwean living in a developing country, I have come to realise that the complexities of our economic challenges often require unconventional solutions.
The mantra “do what works” has been a guiding principle for a lot of people, including myself, who are tired of ideological rigidity and eager for tangible progress.
In Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole, we have had our fair share of grandiose plans and ideologies that promise the world but deliver little.
From socialist experiments to neoliberal prescriptions, we have seen it all. But the truth is, what works in one context may not work in another.
And in Zimbabwe, where diversity and complexity are the norm, we need to be pragmatic and adaptable.
“Do what works” is not about abandoning principles or values; it is about being honest about what is effective and what is not. It is about recognising that our problems are unique and require customised solutions. As an example, the local currency can only work if local production is increased and taken seriously as a concept of economic development.
This pragmatic approach is also reflected in the success stories of African entrepreneurs and innovators.
From mobile money transfer services to solar-powered energy solutions, these innovators have identified real needs and developed practical solutions that are transforming lives.
They are not bound by ideology or dogma; they are driven by a desire to make a difference.
Of course, “do what works” is not a blanket endorsement of any solution, no matter how effective it may seem.
We must always consider the long-term implications, potential risks and ethical considerations of any approach.
However, in Zimbabwe, where the stakes are high and the needs are pressing, we cannot afford to be ideological purists. We need to be willing to experiment, adapt and evolve.
In the realm of economic policy, ideologies and dogma often take centre stage.
Policymakers and economists frequently find themselves entrenched in debates over different economic schools of thoughts.
However, in the face of complex and ever-changing economic realities, a more pragmatic approach is needed.
The principle of “do what works” offers a refreshing alternative to ideological rigidity, allowing policymakers to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances.
The idea of “do what works” is rooted in the concept of pragmatism, which emphasises the importance of practicality and effectiveness over ideological purity.
In the context of economic policy, this means policymakers should focus on implementing solutions that have been proven to work, rather than adhering to a particular ideology or theory.
One notable example of the ‘do what works’ approach in action is the economic policy of Singapore.
In the 1960s, Singapore’s government faced significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and poverty.
Rather than adhering to a particular ideology, the government adopted a pragmatic approach, implementing policies that were proven to work.
This included investing in human capital and promoting trade through creating and making a follow up on an environment which promoted such.
The results were remarkable, with Singapore transforming into one of the world’s most prosperous and stable economies.
In conclusion, the principle of “do what works” offers a valuable approach to economic policy.
By prioritising practicality and effectiveness, over ideological purity, policymakers can adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances.
As policymakers navigate the complexities of the modern economy, they would do well to embrace the pragmatism of “do what works.”
- Chengeta is an educator and academic writer. These weekly New Perspectives articles, published in the Zimbabwe Independent, are coordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, an independent consultant, managing consultant of Zawale Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, past president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society and past president of the Chartered Governance & Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe. — [email protected] or +263 772 382 852.
