LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES
Business must create a new narrative that builds trust and bridges the divide
CEOs need to show they are capable of deeply listening to the viewpoints of other interested parties, writes Nicola Kleyn
Acomment from Albie Sachs’ book, We, the People: Insights of an Activist Judge, gave me pause to reflect on a growing sense that business needs to tread carefully as it emerges from its long public silence to step into the national discourse. Sachs wrote: "In dealing with the serious challenges we now face, we need the same courage and determination we had in the days of the struggle. But the energy has got to be different. We need fewer shrill, self-serving polemics and greater civility towards each other as well as more openness on the side of ourselves, the former freedom fighters, to the many challenging and even disconcerting ideas from others." As business began to find its voice on the sociopolitical stage, key questions emerged. Who exactly constitutes business? How does business view its mandate? What type of engagements will be most constructive? The responses are not that straightforward. Just consider the latest coalition of civil society organisations, Save SA, which co...
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