September 7, 2021
KVV | A Note from our Director
Dear Client
Writing something inspiring in the beginning of September should be easy. There is so much to take positive inspiration from – we just ended Womens Month in August, it is the start of Spring and nature is waking up with blooms and blossoms wherever you look, and we are celebrating heritage month in our lovely country South Africa this month.
But the truth of the matter is, this is not a normal Spring season. Instead of walking around with smiles on our faces, smelling the roses as we go, we have to wear facemasks when out in public. Instead of attending spring festivals and planning holidays with loved ones, we are forced to social distance and nobody is sure when we will be able to gather in large numbers again. We are waking up every day to more news of loved ones being tested positive, and even the devastating heart-breaking news of loved ones passing on, not surviving the virus. People are scared and confused – vaxxers and anti-vaxxers are criticising each other on social media. No one knows what is lying ahead for us in the months and years to come. One thing that is sure though, is that nothing will ever be the same again.
Having said all that, I am still going to refer you to a story from nature. My grandmother had an Amaryllis flower, which flowered so well over the years that all of our family members have been fortunate enough to receive a bulb. Each year we would announce to each other “ouma is blooming”, when the pink flowers start to blossom.
My “ouma” plant sadly was eaten by worms this year – within the midst of everyday live and tragedy I saw too late that the leaves were turning brown. An early sign of worms eating at the bulb of the plant. I gave the necessary pesticide, but sadly it seemed to be too late as all the leaves of the plant died away.
Over the past weekend, I looked at my “ouma” plant and to my surprise I saw the green of a flower sprouting out of the bulb! The plant has no leaves, has been eaten rotten by worms, but not only is it not dead, it still has the energy to produce a flower!!
Sometimes looking at nature makes me feel small and even a little embarrassed. Through all the turmoil we face in our daily lives, we as humans many times feel like we cannot go on. Like the “worms” of our existence have eaten away at everything that could ever be considered as beautiful in our lives. May you, like me, take inspiration from the lesson learned from this little Amaryllis plant. May we stand proud through our storms – and not only survive them, but still find the energy to produce a beautiful flower!
July 2, 2021
KVV | A Note from our Director
Dear Client
Are you wearing enough PPE to protect your income?
All over the world, the fear, worry, sadness and loss, that are spread with the virus are unprecedented.
Together we are fiercely trying to combat the virus, by following the COVID-19 protocols, whether we are at home or work, whether we are buying groceries or picking up our children from school.
For the COVID protocols to achieve their purpose, each one of us needs to take up the responsibility of abiding by the safety rules personally, regardless of what lockdown level we are in.
But not only is our health at risk, so is our businesses, our income, our salaries, our bread and butter on the table. Just as important as our lives and health are, so is our healthcare system and keeping a roof over our heads. And someone needs to pay for that… and that someone is the salary earner.
This begs the question what PPE are we wearing to protect our income?
Yes, we do not have control over the job losses and businesses closing on a global scale, but don’t let the fear of the uncontrollable make you underestimate your worth in contributing to the economy, by “earning your salary”.
Food needs to be packed to reach our tables, Insurance companies needs profitable companies to invest with to pay out, income tax needs to be generated to fund hospitals. Every individual contributes on a larger scale, more than you and I realise.
As you sit behind your desk at work, or in isolation at home behind your desktop, with your kids playing around your feet – take hold of your commitment and responsibility to keep whatever business you are in going.
Protect your company`s productivity by not letting your emotional state get the better of you. For the sake of our economy, stay strong and focus on how you influence those around you. That is a difference that only you, have the power to make.
Franklin D. Roosevelt said:
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear”.
In time we will look back on what we’ve overcame and be grateful for the effort we’ve made to keep as much standing as possible, even when the world caves down around us. You are making a contribution. Focus on how you influence those around you. Be a difference maker!
Kind Regards
Diaan Van Wyk | Director
November 9, 2020
November 2020 | A Note from our Director
Being one step ahead………
The uncharted territories are rapidly transforming the nature of work and how existing organizations in both the private and public sector adapt to global change. Personally, there is a loud call to be more than what was ever thought possible!
Turbulence is a given; turmoil does not have to be! So, what are the meta-skills that will allow us to weather the storms and adopt an innovative mindset? I want to highlight the following four:
- We must be fluent in processing information! Rapid absorption of information is the beginning of overcoming difficulties. Generally, the faster and more easily we’re able to process information, the faster and more efficiently we can act and adapt.
- Congruent attitudes, a must! Whenever our behaviour contradicts our attitude, we feel a state of discomfort. We resolve the inconsistency between our attitude and behaviour by adopting a new attitude – an attitude that is consistent with our behaviour.
- Connect with people! Research shows that we’re influenced by people who we view as similar, so we’re more likely to act if we believe that many people are doing it too.
- Be generous! Generosity is the ultimate sign of forward-thinking! Give freely, of your knowledge, of your time and your heart; this will enlarge your capacity to thrive!
At KVV we do not opt for the easy way out, we know that it will require a collective effort to keep the competitive advantage.
Kind Regards
Diaan Van Wyk | Director
