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From My Ikigai to Our 2026 – Aligning personal purpose and organisational mission

Our December blog piece, ‘Closing 2025 with a Collective Performance Mirror’, assessed whether workplace relationships had strengthened or weakened organisational cohesion. This month, the focus is on: How can individuals’ purposes actively advance the organisational mission, and why is this alignment now critical? This is a critical factor that can’t be ignored.

Ikigai – a Japanese concept meaning “reason for being” is based on how what we love, we’re good at, what the world needs, and what we can be rewarded for come together. Though deeply personal, it is also inherently social. When employees discover their ikigai at work, something remarkable happens: personal agency ignites. They move beyond simply completing tasks to contribute with purpose, make confident decisions, and feel truly empowered.

Still, individual purpose cannot thrive in isolation. Organisational mission matters – not as empty corporate talk – but as the shared “why” that gives collective effort direction and meaning.

Why Alignment Matters

Organisational alignment occurs when individuals, teams, and strategic priorities all move in the same direction and are guided by shared values and mission. Without it, organisations break into silos; employees wrestle with conflicting values and day-to-day work; and energy dissipates through misaligned activities.

The cost of misalignment is high: skilled people feel like cogs in a machine they neither understand nor believe in. Turnover increases, innovation slows, and the sense of belonging and psychological safety we explored last month fades when people don’t see their personal purpose reflected in the organisation’s mission.

When personal ikigai overlaps meaningfully with the organisational mission, the benefits multiply. Employees give extra effort because the work aligns with their core values. Additionally, decision-making is synchronised and faster because shared purpose creates natural alignment. Teams collaborate smoothly as they pull toward the same goal. This is not theory – it’s a competitive advantage.

Values connect the personal and collective

Value congruence occurs when employees and leaders genuinely share core beliefs. It bridges individual purpose and organisational mission. Proves that values aren’t slogans on walls; they are lived behaviours that show what truly matters. When an organisation’s mission genuinely reflects its people’s values, connectedness deepens, trust grows, and buy-in becomes natural instead of forced.

Genuine connections create psychological safety, allowing employees to engage authentically. This makes teamwork productive instead of problematic. However, how do we move from individual ikigai to collective success in 2026?

It starts with honest conversations:

Do you understand how your personal strengths and passions connect to the organisation’s mission?
Can you explain your team’s contribution to the broader purpose?
Where do your values align with – or differ from – organisational priorities?
Are you empowered to shape how your role supports both your purpose and shared goals?

These questions aren’t one-offs. They form the ongoing dialogue between individuals and leaders, build connections and clarify alignments.

Cultivating this alignment, especially where mission statements resonate with personal ikigai, distinguishes organisations from those that merely function; these ones are better and attract and retain talent, innovate boldly, and navigate uncertainty with resilience. Successful organisations don’t simply align goals top-down. Instead, they’ll create space for personal purpose to flow upward, enriching and energising the collective mission. When my ikigai becomes part of our shared 2026, everyone moves forward – together.

Closing 2025 with a Collective Performance Mirror

Questions every employee and leader can ask to gauge how deeply they have moved forward – together.

Calendar year-end typically provides an opportunity to reflect on the extent to which personal goals for the year have been achieved. However, in this article, we propose a shift from individual reflection to the collective – emphasising how one’s organisational relationships either strengthen or weaken the shared fabric of the organisation and its broader stakeholder ecosystem.

Organisations as social systems

Any organisation is fundamentally a social system. Its interacting units are people, and relationships are its nervous system – the invisible yet vital channels that enable coordination, trust, and collective intelligence. At the most basic level, every relationship begins and survives through interaction. Without reciprocal action – a conversation, a shared task, a moment of support or conflict – there is no connection, and therefore no relationship at all.

Interaction is the spark that establishes connection, the frequency and tone that define its quality, and the ongoing fuel that keeps it alive. Positive relationships grow from interactions marked by mutual support and open dialogue. Negative ones emerge From avoidance, criticism, or unresolved tension.

Neutral or weak ties persist where interactions remain purely transactional and rare.

What drives interaction? Interdependence.

Perceived dependency often triggers interaction. Social psychology’s Interdependence Theory explains that we reach out when we believe someone else controls resources, outcomes, or support we need – and often when they need something from us in return.

In workplaces, this dependency exists on two levels:

Task and/or process interdependence (structural)

A need for belonging (psychological)

Interdependence as a Catalyst for Connection

Task and/or process interdependence is the engine of most workplace interaction. When my deliverable is your starting point, we must communicate, coordinate, and sometimes compromise. Over time, these forced interactions create opportunities for trust, shared identity, and genuine connectedness to emerge.

Conversely, teams designed with low interdependence – “work groups” rather than true teams – rarely develop the emotional bonds that turn collective effort into collective excellence.

Yet interdependence alone is not enough. How gracefully we navigate it depends on connectedness – the perceived sense of belonging, psychological safety, and mutual care. When connectedness is high, people share knowledge freely, speak up without fear, and go the extra mile for one another. When it is low, even high interdependence produces friction, silos, and sub-optimal results.

The relationship is cyclical:

Interdependence forces interaction → interaction builds connectedness → connectedness strengthens collaboration → performance improves → reinforcing the system.

A year-end mirror for 2025

As 2025 ends, the most honest personal performance mirror is not only a list of individual KPIs – it is also a set of relational questions we can all ask ourselves:

Which colleagues did I interact with more intentionally this year, and what became possible because of it?

Where did I allow busyness or discomfort to reduce interaction, and how did that weaken the collective fabric?

In moments of interdependence, did my actions strengthen trust and psychological safety, or did they erode it?

Did I invest in relationships beyond my immediate tasks – with other departments, clients, suppliers – recognising they are part of our broader stakeholder ecosystem?

When conflict or difference arose, did I lean into respectful interaction, or did I withdraw?

Honest answers reveal the true health of your organisation’s nervous system – its degree of connectedness. Year-end reflection then stops being a private exercise and becomes one of the strongest predictors of a truly shared, collaborative and successful 2026.

Production vs. Employee Satisfaction: Is It a Zero-Sum Game?

In our article titled ‘Unlocking Productivity: The S-Curve of Employee Satisfaction’, we examined the relationship between employee satisfaction and production performance. As a natural follow-up, we now explore a common misconception: that maximising production and employee satisfaction requires a trade-off. Many leaders view these aims as opposites, believing that one must be sacrificed for the other. Is this truly a zero-sum game? Evidence from decades of HR research and real-world results suggests otherwise.

Way Forward?

Where should leaders begin in addressing this challenge? Senior management must first acknowledge that production and employee satisfaction reinforce each other. When employees thrive, productivity rises. Likewise, when people see their work as meaningful, satisfaction grows with production success.

The next step is to ensure the organisation’s purpose statement is inclusive. It should clearly recognise all legitimate stakeholders – especially employees. They are not just resources but central contributors. Additionally, a purpose statement that incorporates their personal values fosters alignment and motivation. Research supports this link. Gallup’s studies show that engaged employees outperform disengaged ones by up to 23%. Ignoring this connection while chasing output at the cost of well-being could produce short-term wins, such as meeting tight deadlines through overtime. Yet such gains rarely last. Burnout, turnover, and declining morale soon follow, eroding long-term performance and increasing costs through lost knowledge and recruitment.

Modern neuroscience offers further evidence. Harvard Business Review reports that chronic stress from overwork reduces the size of the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and creativity. Both are essential for innovation and productivity. In contrast, workplaces that trigger dopamine through achievement and oxytocin through trust enhance focus and collaboration.

Long-term studies on team effectiveness also highlight this connection. They show that psychological safety – the sense that people can take risks and speak freely without fear – is the top predictor of team success. It outperforms both individual talent and strict output targets. Teams perceived to have a high psychological safety develop new ideas at a faster rate with fewer errors.

Understanding your employees.

Employees’ needs and what drives their behaviour differ from those of owners or shareholders. Unfortunately, fair pay forms the foundation, but motivation also depends on three factors: safety, autonomy, and growth. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, introduced in 1943, still applies today. Basic needs for security and stability should be met well before higher motivators such as belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation can emerge. Incentive systems based only on output often fail because they ignore these deeper layers.

The goal, then, is not to maximise satisfaction at any cost or to chase production relentlessly. Ideally, finding a balance will enable sustainable productivity improvement, and this occurs when employees feel valued through open communication, empowered through flexible work design, and rewarded with fair pay and recognition. Accountability remains essential, tied to ethics and shared purpose, to prevent complacency.

Ultimately, embracing an authentic, purpose-driven identity emerges as the singular most powerful, non-monetary motivator. As Gary Yukl (2013) wrote, leadership means guiding individual and collective efforts toward a shared purpose. Organisations that make purpose real in daily practice do more than survive – they lead.

By viewing production success and employee satisfaction as partners rather than opponents, leaders build resilient, high performing cultures that last. Sustainable success is not about choosing between people and performance – it’s about ensuring they grow together.

Unlocking Productivity: The S-Curve of Employee Satisfaction

The relationship between employee satisfaction (cause) and productivity (effect) is not linear. While it is tempting to assume that each gain in satisfaction leads directly to higher output, the reality is more complex. In practice, the connection often follows an S-curve (sigmoidal curve). Productivity rises slowly at first, accelerates once a threshold is crossed, and then flattens out at the top. Recognising these three stages helps leaders target the right workplace drivers at the right time.

Stage 1: The Flat Bottom – Low Satisfaction

At the base of the curve, satisfaction is minimal. Employees here are disengaged, demotivated, or exhausted. They may feel unsupported, distrustful of leadership, or blocked by systemic barriers such as poor tools, weak processes, or toxic workplace cultures. In this environment, small improvements hardly affect output. For example, offering perks will not matter if employees lack fair pay or a safe work environment.

This stage illustrates a threshold effect: productivity remains flat until basic needs are addressed. Motivation alone cannot compensate for broken foundations.

Workplace drivers to unlock progress:

Provide reliable tools and safe, functioning systems.
Eliminate toxic behaviours and strengthen leadership accountability.
Build fairness through transparent policies and equitable pay.
Communicate expectations clearly and create psychological safety.

The managerial priority is not pushing for high performance but restoring trust and stability so employees can engage meaningfully.

Stage 2: The Steep Middle – Moderate Satisfaction

Once employees’ basic needs are met, satisfaction reaches a tipping point. This marks the acceleration stage, where productivity rises sharply. Employees feel respected and supported, and they start to invest discretionary effort. Collaboration strengthens, innovation becomes more frequent, and performance climbs steeply compared with satisfaction gains.

This is the sweet spot of the curve, where investment in employee experience yields the greatest returns.

Workplace drivers to accelerate progress:

Set stretch goals to maintain engagement.
Reward innovation and risk-taking.
Introduce role variety or job rotation to prevent stagnation.
Balance autonomy with accountability to keep productivity high.
Embed a culture of continuous improvement.

Here, leaders must carefully balance satisfaction with challenge, ensuring that morale stays high without eroding performance discipline.

Conclusion

The S-curve highlights that employee productivity depends on where employees sit on the satisfaction spectrum. In the low zone, leaders must address fundamentals. In the middle zone, every improvement pays off disproportionately, making it the most powerful stage for investment. At the high end, sustaining momentum requires balance – pairing satisfaction with challenge to prevent complacency. By aligning workplace drivers with each stage, leaders can move teams steadily up the curve and unlock the full potential of employee satisfaction as a driver of organisational performance.

Nurturing Connectedness: Fostering Collaboration and Value in South African Workplaces

In a previous discussion, The ‘Seed of Connectedness Towards a Psychological Revolution’, we highlighted how connectedness can transform South African workplaces. Rooted in five psychological constructs: belongingness, relatedness, trust, identity resonance, and purpose integration—this shift fosters cognitive and emotional alignment with colleagues and organisational goals. Here, we examine how connectedness drives collaboration, delivers value to both individuals and employers, and addresses challenges within South Africa’s diverse context.

Connectedness as a basis for collaboration

Connectedness, a deep psychological state, underpins collaboration by fostering trust, shared purpose, and mutual care. Employees who feel emotionally invested are more likely to share ideas freely, address challenges collectively, and align with organisational goals. The five psychological constructs create conditions for synergy: trust supports openness, while purpose integration aligns personal and collective objectives.

Practical examples include cross-functional projects that address local sustainability, where relatedness drives joint action. Yet connectedness alone does not guarantee effective collaboration: strong bonds may form cliques, and unclear goals can hinder progress. To prevent this, organisations can design workflows that encourage task interdependence, ensuring connectedness translates into genuine teamwork.

Building connectedness in South Africa’s diverse workforce

Creating connectedness requires intentional practices tailored to South Africa’s diversity. Inclusive leadership fosters belongingness and relatedness, while recognition and open communication strengthen trust. Aligning organisational values—such as fairness and community upliftment—with employees’ beliefs builds identity resonance. Shared goals, including social responsibility initiatives that address inequality, tie personal effort to broader missions and enhance purpose integration.

Beyond the workplace, societal and political values also shape connectedness. In South Africa, where justice and equity are central, alignment with organisational initiatives deepens engagement. A company investing in local education, for instance, can amplify employees’ sense of purpose. However, political divisions may strain bonds. Respectful dialogue and a focus on shared professional goals can help mitigate such tensions.

Value Congruence vs. Connectedness

Value congruence, the alignment of personal and organisational values, is closely linked to connectedness but distinct from it. Congruence is primarily cognitive, while connectedness encompasses social and emotional bonds such as belongingness and trust. Strong ties may persist despite partial value differences, making connectedness the broader concept. Recognising this distinction helps employers foster deeper, more resilient relationships.

The benefits of connectedness

For individuals, connectedness enhances well-being, reduces stress, and increases job satisfaction by meeting needs for belonging and purpose. It also builds resilience, engagement, and personal growth. For employers, connectedness fuels productivity, innovation, and retention. Research shows connected teams collaborate more effectively, sustainably improving profitability. In South Africa’s competitive market, it also strengthens agility and helps attract and retain top talent.

Connectedness is a powerful catalyst for collaboration and value in South African workplaces. Through trust, shared purpose, and emotional bonds, organisations can harness the strengths of a diverse workforce. Practices such as inclusive leadership and values-aligned initiatives ensure connectedness produces real outcomes, while addressing risks like cliques or polarisation. In today’s constantly evolving world, nurturing connectedness is not optional; it is essential.

The seed of connectedness towards a Psychological Revolution

A psychological revolution begins with the seed of connectedness, a shift in how one perceives oneself in relation to others. In the workplace, this revolution is not an upheaval but a personal transformation, rooted in the alignment of individual and collective values, fostering a sense of belonging, trust, and shared purpose.

Connectedness in the workplace is a subjective, emotional, and cognitive experience where individuals feel meaningfully linked to their colleagues, teams, and the organisation’s mission. At its granular level, it comprises five psychological constructs:

Belongingness satisfies the innate human need to be accepted and valued

Relatedness reflects emotional closeness and mutual care

Trust enables vulnerability without fear of harm

Identity resonance aligns personal values with those of the organisation, reducing internal
conflict

Purpose integration ties individual efforts to a larger mission, creating meaning.

Value congruence, the alignment between personal and organisational values, could be the spark that ignites this psychological revolution. When an individual’s beliefs about fairness, collaboration, or innovation resonate with their workplace’s culture, they experience psychological safety and authenticity. This alignment creates a feedback loop: feeling understood fosters trust, which deepens engagement, reinforcing a sense of shared identity. This congruence triggers a transformative shift in the individual’s mind.

This psychological revolution is subtle because it unfolds within the individual, often unnoticed by others, yet its impact is profound. It redefines how one processes information, relates to others, and finds meaning in life. Unlike societal revolutions driven by collective discontent, this internal upheaval is sparked by personal experiences of connection perhaps a leader’s recognition, a team’s shared goal, or a moment of feeling truly included. These moments create cognitive dissonance, challenging old beliefs (e.g. “I must work alone to succeed”) and fostering new ones (e.g. “Collaboration amplifies my impact”).

The revolution manifests as heightened self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a restructured worldview. An employee might move from transactional engagement to passionate advocacy, driven by a sense of purpose and trust. This shift, while personal, can inspire others, creating a ripple effect across teams. This aligns with the collective consciousness often seen in broader revolutionary contexts.

Organisations can cultivate this seed of connectedness by embedding systemic practices that reinforce value congruence. Shared team goals, task interdependence, team-based rewards, and low tolerance for value misalignment create environments where psychological connectedness thrives. For instance, designing workflows that require collaboration ensures employees rely on each other, fostering trust and relatedness. Recognising collective achievements over individual wins reinforces shared identity, while facilitating value alignment eliminates dissonance that fractures the connection.

The seed of connectedness, rooted in value congruence, increases the possibility of a quiet psychological revolution in the workplace. By fostering belonging, trust, and purpose, organisations can nurture this seed, enabling individuals to undergo a profound internal shift. This revolution, marked by new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating, does not shout but whispers, transforming one mind at a time. Yet, its power lies in its potential to spread, creating workplaces where individuals are not just present but deeply, meaningfully connected, driving both personal fulfilment and collective success.

Women in Leadership

Empowering women in leadership: the role of training in building inclusive workplaces

The call for gender equality in the workplace is louder than ever. But true equality goes beyond equal pay—it’s about creating environments where women are supported, empowered, and equipped to thrive at every level of the organisation.

As we enter August—a month dedicated to honouring women in South Africa—the focus often shifts to how women are expected to show up, whether workplaces offer safe spaces for authenticity, and how we celebrate their contributions. But perhaps a more important starting point is this: what does true gender equality actually look like?

“Equal compensation is critical,” says Khomotso Sapi, “but it’s really about creating a holistic environment where everyone regardless of gender—feels valued, supported, and given the same opportunities for growth and success.”

Witty Seripane adds, “True gender equality means women have the same opportunities to lead, grow, and be heard—not just earn the same. It’s about fair hiring, unbiased promotions, flexible work options, and creating spaces where women feel safe, respected, and empowered.”

Despite progress, women still face persistent, often invisible barriers—especially in leadership and decision-making spaces.

Sapi points out challenges such as the unequal distribution of leadership opportunities, the constant balancing act between being assertive and being likeable, and the lack of sponsorship in the workplace. Seripane highlights other common yet overlooked obstacles: being interrupted in meetings, not being taken seriously, limited access to mentorship, and assumptions about family responsibilities—all of which create an uneven playing field.

These subtle forms of bias limit many talented women from advancing. And while the solution—upskilling and training—may sound simple, it requires a deeper mindset shift at all levels of the organisation. Building inclusive workplaces starts with equipping people with the tools and awareness needed to do better. Training isn’t a tick-box exercise—it’s a strategic imperative.

“We need to prioritise emotional intelligence, unconscious bias training, leadership development, and clear paths to advancement,” says Sapi.

Seripane adds that mentorship, coaching programmes, and promoting women into leadership roles are powerful levers for real change. “It’s about ensuring women’s voices are not just heard but considered in decision-making.”

Practical steps toward inclusion

HR leaders, people managers, and executives all have a role to play in driving inclusive cultures. Some of the most effective actions include:

Implementing pay transparency and equity

Supporting women’s career development and leadership training

Promoting flexible work arrangements

Establishing mentorship and sponsorship programmes

Measuring and tracking gender diversity metrics

Cultivating a culture of continuous feedback and development

While these may seem like obvious steps, many organisations still lag behind in implementation. Leadership must commit not just to policies, but to a culture shift—normalising shared leadership and moving away from outdated top-down hierarchies.

“I hope to see more women in leadership—not as tokens, but as key decision-makers shaping strategy,” says Seripane.

A message to the next generation

As a younger generation of women steps into the workforce, Sapi encourages them to own their voice and value. “Find mentors and sponsors. Be strategic about networking. And most importantly, don’t apologise for taking up space—embrace failure as part of the journey.”

Seripane echoes this: “Grab the bull by the horns. Speak up. Take up space. Don’t wait for permission to lead.”

Gender equality in the workplace is not a destination—it’s a continuous journey that requires commitment, introspection, and courageous leadership. Investing in women’s growth through training and upskilling is one of the most powerful steps any organisation can take.

“Hold yourself accountable,” urges Sapi. “Foster a culture of feedback, support work-life balance, and ensure equal access to opportunity so women can truly thrive.”

Seripane concludes, “Gender equality doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention—and organisations must create environments where women are heard, mentored, and positioned to grow.”

Phelekeza Turns 9: A Journey of impact, innovation, and accompaniment

“Trust comes first when you choose someone to accompany you on any journey.” –Phelekeza leadership team.

July 12 marks a meaningful milestone for Phelekeza, as the company celebrates nine transformative years of walking alongside individuals, teams, and organisations on their journey to growth, resilience, and purpose.

For Founder and CEO Mackie Makitla, this anniversary is more than just a celebration—it’s a moment to reflect on the vision, people, and perseverance that have brought Phelekeza to this moment.

Born out of uncertainty and inspired by shared purpose, Phelekeza was established in 2015 following a wave of retrenchments. What could have ended in defeat instead ignited a new beginning. A small group of passionate professionals chose to build something far greater than themselves. United by a desire to bring harmony to human relationships while delivering meaningful results, they gave birth to what would become one of South Africa’s most dynamic people-focused consultancies.

“The vision hasn’t changed—but the people, the process, and the perseverance along the way have shaped every chapter of this journey.” – Mackie Makitla.

Anchored in purpose

From day one, the philosophy behind Phelekeza has been rooted in its name: to accompany. Over the past nine years, that philosophy has come to life through every engagement, project, and partnership.

According to Mr Makitla, trust is at the heart of every relationship—whether with clients, collaborators, or community members. “When someone chooses you to accompany them on any journey, it’s a sign of deep trust. And we honour that trust by focusing on impact, particularly within the human capital space, which is the lifeblood of every organisation.”

Whether working with a startup or a major corporation, Phelekeza’s team brings empathy, strategic insight, and innovative thinking to help organisations elevate their people and purpose.

Key milestones & memorable moments

Among Phelekeza’s proudest milestones was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Long before the world shifted to virtual engagement, Phelekeza was already operating efficiently in that space. But what followed after lockdowns eased was a true test of resilience. “Operating effectively during the pandemic was one thing,” Mackie shares, “but maintaining momentum afterwards took every ounce of perseverance. That we made it through is a credit to the team and the community we’ve built.”

One especially proud moment came during Phelekeza’s 5th anniversary. Mr Makitla adds, “That year gave me clarity—not just for the next few steps, but for the next 100 years. It was a powerful confirmation that we were on the right path.”

From the beginning, Phelekeza has approached innovation not as a trend but as a necessity. The team has consistently integrated science and technology into their service delivery, ensuring that client outcomes aren’t just intuitive but measurable and validated.

“We don’t innovate for the sake of it,” Mr Makitla explains. “We do it to ensure our clients experience real, tangible results.” Whether through data-driven coaching models, digital facilitation tools, or adaptive learning platforms, the team continues to transform how individuals and teams grow.

“Our clients value our ability to align with their needs—technologically, strategically, and emotionally.”

This adaptive mindset enables Phelekeza to help clients navigate their digital transformations. As the world shifted, the Phelekeza team pivoted with it, bringing not only their systems online but guiding others to embrace new ways of working.

Central to Phelekeza’s story is its people. The organisation is built on collaboration, mentorship, and partnership. The team has benefited from the wisdom of a dedicated business mentor and worked closely with a network of highly skilled associates and solution partners. These relationships have expanded the company’s capacity and enriched its offerings.

“Our partners don’t just amplify what we do—they help us continually evolve and improve,” says Mr Makitla. “It’s a mutual investment in progress.”

As Phelekeza celebrates its 9th birthday, Mr Makitla has a heartfelt message for the people who have helped shape this journey:

“To our clients and broader community, thank you for walking with us. We’ve made it to nine years because of you. Your trust and support fuel our growth. To our team—let’s forge ahead relentlessly. The impact we make together is lasting.”

Looking ahead

The vision for the next chapter? One word: Africa.

With deep roots in South Africa, Phelekeza is setting its sights on the broader continent. The goal is to expand its footprint, partner with like-minded organisations, and bring its brand of people- first innovation to every corner of Africa.

“We’re ready to explore Africa, fully,” says Mr Makitla. “Not just as a market, but as a community we want to grow with and contribute to.”

The vision is clear and the goal is set. As the organisation moves forward, it remains committed to purpose, grounded in trust, and defined by the meaningful impact it creates while walking alongside others.

Phelekeza is a human capital consultancy dedicated to inspiring, developing, and impacting individuals and organisations. Leveraging a team of experienced HR practitioners, organisational psychologists, and talent development experts, Phelekeza combines data-driven insight with

practical tools to elevate performance through psychometric assessments, soft skills training, and SETA/QCTOaccredited learning solutions.

Resilient by Design: HR Leadership in a World of Constant Change

In times of increasing uncertainty, the core purpose of any organisation remains steadfast: to profitably and sustainably create and exchange value.

To thrive, organisations must ensure this value is equitably shared among legitimate stakeholders — employees, customers, shareholders, and communities. Achieving this requires careful resource allocation and a balance between stakeholders’ perceived contributions and their expected returns.

Human Resources (HR) leaders operating in South Africa’s complex socio-political and economic landscape must demonstrate strategic vision and bold leadership to shape and implement effective HR strategies. The forces driving relentless change are best understood through the PESTLE framework: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental.

Politically, evolving regulations and shifting trade dynamics create ongoing uncertainty. Economically, inflation, unemployment, and market volatility challenge sustainable growth. Social expectations are rapidly changing, with increased demands for diversity, equity, inclusion, and workplace flexibility.

The shifting landscape

Technologically, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and digital platforms are transforming job roles and the skills required. Legally, stringent labour laws and data protection regulations present compliance challenges. Environmentally, the drive toward sustainable practices is redefining corporate priorities. By anticipating these drivers, organisations can align their strategies with emerging realities and build long-term resilience.

HR must play a decisive role by executing strategic human capital management practices. In South Africa, the stakes are high. Persistent inequality, socio-political volatility, and slow economic growth underscore the need for inclusive and innovative HR approaches. Policy uncertainty complicates long-term planning, while widespread skills shortages hinder productivity and transformation efforts.

Effective HR leadership means aligning talent development strategies with organisational objectives, fostering adaptability, and ensuring value creation for all stakeholders. This includes workforce development, nurturing agile organisational cultures, and leveraging data-driven insights to navigate constant change.

HR leaders must champion investment in people development that delivers maximum impact. Upskilling initiatives, for example, address technological disruption while enhancing employee engagement and retention. Inclusive workplace policies meet evolving social expectations and strengthen organisational credibility. Embedding flexibility into talent management through hybrid work models or adaptive leadership programmes—helps organisations remain competitive amid legal and environmental challenges.

South Africa’s unique context demands culturally sensitive and locally grounded HR solutions. Talent acquisition and retention strategies must address historical inequalities and current socio- economic realities. In doing so, HR becomes a key driver of sustainable, long-term value creation.

HR’s role also extends to developing the next generation of leaders. Mentorship, tailored development programmes, and cross-functional exposure prepare emerging talent to face future challenges. By fostering empathy, innovation, and adaptability, HR ensures that leadership pipelines are equipped for an era influenced by constant transformation.

Leading HR in a constantly evolving world demands more than operational expertise — it calls for courage, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to people. By actively navigating the complexities of the PESTLE landscape and embracing agile, inclusive, and future-focused practices, HR professionals become architects of resilience and progress.

In South Africa — where challenges are layered and urgent—bold HR leadership is essential for organisational survival, but pivotal to shaping a more equitable, empowered, and sustainable future for all.

Instinct vs. Structure: Why We Still Need Leadership

It is tempting to think we have outgrown formal leadership. After all, humans are wired to collaborate. Evolution shaped us to survive not through hierarchy but through connection, coming together to share knowledge, support one another, and pursue common goals.

From ancient hunting parties to modern project teams, cooperation runs in our blood. So, if working together is so instinctive, do we still need leaders?

The answer is a resounding yes because instinct alone does not scale, especially in a complex, high-stakes world, clarity, accountability, and strategic direction are not just helpful—they are essential.

Our collaborative nature is powerful. We are naturally empathetic, quick to build trust, and adept at navigating group dynamics even beyond our families or social circles. These traits fuel informal leadership, where influence comes from character, wisdom, or expertise not titles.

While instinct works well in small groups or everyday situations, it can’t carry the weight of an organisation. When you’re coordinating hundreds or thousands of people, managing risk, aligning diverse teams, and navigating legal landscapes, something more is needed. That’s where formal leadership steps in: to set strategy, ensure structure, and drive sustained results.

Humans need structure

We don’t just crave collaboration, we crave clarity. Defined roles, reliable structures, and a shared sense of direction help us make sense of complexity. Formal leaders don’t just manage—they make meaning. They interpret change, chart the path forward, and help teams understand not only what’s happening, but why it matters.

In uncertain or fast-changing environments, this function becomes even more vital. Good leadership transforms ambiguity into alignment—not through force, but through perspective.

Leadership amplifies collaboration

Great leaders don’t create collaboration—they unlock its full potential. By setting clear goals, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and encouraging diverse viewpoints, they turn cooperative instincts into high-impact action.

They build strong teams, cultivate trust, and design systems that allow collaboration to flourish at scale. Formal leadership isn’t a replacement for collaboration—it’s the force that enables it to thrive across an entire organisation.