There is new a MBA in town. This time, it does not take hours upon hours of boring lectures and endless research and writing of papers in the middle of the night. It is a wisdom from a fallen giant of our time. I call it is Mandela Business Acumen. (MBA). They are lessons every small business should learn and apply to increase success and decrease stress. Here are three aspects of this MBA.

MBA of Purpose

To set yourself for success, you must begin with a well defined purpose in mind. For 27 years, Madiba, as he was affectionately called, spent the prime of his life in prison in order to live his purpose of leading South Africa to a post-apartheid era. It was a purpose he was willing to die for when he famously declared,
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for. But, my lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Every business should aspire to be remember for what it stands for. There is more to business than profits. Purpose will generate profits. Start your business, your project or your new idea with a clear purpose in mind and the profit will follow.

MBA of Perseverance

Many entrepreneurs give up too easily, too often. The fantasy of starting one’s own business can be quickly overshadowed by the reality and challenges of living the dream. At that point, an MBA of Perseverance is essential. Mandela once said, “The greatest glory of living lies not in never falling, but in rising, every time you fall” The ability to persevere, learn lessons, and push ahead strategically is an indispensable ingredient in every small business menu of success factors.
MBA of Pragmatism

It is said that the only certainty in business is uncertainty. Though Mandela had a bold dream of freedom from apartheid in South Africa, he was credited for his pragmatic approach to politics. Merriam-Website online defines a pragmatism as “reasonable and logical way of doing things or of thinking about problems that is based on dealing with specific situations instead of on ideas and theories”. Entrepreneurs should take a clue from the leadership philosophy of Mandela and balance their dream with the ongoing practical factors in their industry and adapt accordingly.

Nelson Mandela has passed on, but, Mandela Business Acumen (MBA) should be ingrained in every serious business plan. His leadership legacy will live on for years. Begin your business, career or life with a purpose, perseverance and be pragmatic to see extraordinary results.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!