A country that does not value talent

As we approach Christmas I want to focus on talent. Christmas is supposed to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, one of the most talented human beings that ever walked the planet earth. Yet his talent was never valued in his home town. Two weeks ago this nation was flooded with talent from the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games. There was so much talent in Maseru. While I acknowledge that we did not start well in terms of organising the games, I must hasten to state that eventually we finished. Local talent was rewarded 48 medals (18 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze). We came third among 10 nations who participated. Well done team Lesotho. Ravi Zacharias was right, “beginning well is a momentary thing; finishing well is a lifelong thing.” Have you ever noticed that Lesotho leaders spend a lot of time talking about talent and how others do not value talent, however only to make the same mistakes over and over again when given the power to govern? This country has always produced the best talent yet South Africa and other countries enjoy and make use of our talent. Departure of talent is very costly and disruptive for this nation. With all the emphasis on human resource development, I always find it interesting that this nation seems to struggle with being able to retain its top talent. Here’s the thing, talent that is challenged, engaged, valued, and rewarded (emotionally, intellectually & financially) rarely leave, and more importantly, they perform at very high levels. However, if you miss any of these critical areas, it’s only a matter of time before they head for greener pastures. Queen Mamohato Hospital is poorly managed today, therefore it is facing a huge challenge of retaining its specialist talent. Here is a story I recently read on Facebook. There was no author’s name given but I love the lesson this little story teaches. A father said to his daughter, “You graduated with honours, here is a car I acquired many years ago. It is several years old. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them you want to sell it and see how much they offer you.” The daughter went to the used car lot, returned to her father and said, “They offered me M50 000 because it looks very worn out.” The father said, “Take it to the pawn shop.” The daughter went to the pawn shop, returned to her father and said, “The pawn shop offered M10 000 because it is a very old car.” The father asked his daughter to go to a car club and show them the car. The daughter took the car to the club, returned and told her father, “Some people in the club offered M1 250 000 for it since it’s a 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12, an iconic car and sought after by many collectors.” The father said to his daughter, “The right place values you the right way.” The moral of the story; if you are not valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you. Never stay in a place where no one sees your value. What does it mean to feel valued? This is a very important question. It is worth asking because often we do not even realise how much undervaluing we have been putting up with day in and day out in this country. The problem is there is so much anger in this country because people with talent do not feel appreciated. Some Basotho are still unable to comprehend that they are not valued because they are in the wrong place. The world is looking for talent, if you possess a skill or talent in abundance and feel unappreciated do yourself a favour, take your talent to other places where it will be valued. I know a lot of Basotho who migrated to South Africa and their talent is valued there. You will find them in top management positions, middle management, bottom management and others in sports or offering skills in construction or looking after babies (nannies). Dr Pali Lehohla is a typical example of Basotho you will find running big departments or companies in South Africa. Consider these questions: Do you feel appreciated and respected? Is your good talent praised and acknowledged? Does your leadership, your team, your partners say thank you? Are you paid a fair market wage for your talent? If you have an idea, does someone listen to it and help you act on it? When you are having a tough day, does someone notice? Are you being told the truth even if it’s hard to hear? Does your opinion matter even if it is not agreed with? Do you have a clear understanding of what is needed to be successful? Is the nation interested in you as a person? Does your country invest in your talent development? Do you know what to do and have the tools and support to nurture your talent? Are you able to use your talent and strengths and develop your future skills? Based on your answers, it will be very apparent if you are or are not being valued. If you are, great! Enjoy the goodness and pay it forward. But, if you are now seeing in the light of day what you had suspected in your gut for some time, then it is time to make your exit plan. I would hate to say leave your country but it is like being in a bad, abusive relationship. It sucks to have to start again but believe me, it sucks far worse to stay where you are not valued. There is a place where your skills, abilities, gifts, talent, sense of humour etc., are needed and will be valued. Imagine that place and do whatever it takes to get there! When other countries value your talent, Basotho will start appreciating you. I wish you well this Christmas, may the Almighty God richly bless you and your family. In the New Year find a new place that will value your talent. Ramahooana Matlosa