It is my sincere hope that colleagues are finding this series of articles useful in one way or the other.

At this point in the series, there is an expectation that the read is matured in the sense that it is now apparent that corporate self-discipline is the concert of a number of values that is designed to empower corporate actors. It sets a framework comprising compelling questions individual corporate actors ought to ask themselves as they endeavour to discharge their roles in the organization.

It is part of corporate self-discipline to be “invested”. I use this word to express both a state of mind as well as the behavior of the actor. Acceptance of one’s status as a corporate actor and being deliberate about what it entails, is a good enabler for a satisfying experience in the organization.

I remember that as my nuclear family grew and I had toddlers to spend time and care for, one of the things I invested in was a washing machine! I justified the purchase by giving value to the time that would be saved and allocated to more qualitative activities such as bonding with my family, my office work and personal business ventures. Another notable thing that I did was to intentionally make myself better by taking any in – house and external learning opportunities offered by the organizations I worked for, very seriously so that I could cement the experience side of my curriculum vitae at the time. I was encouraged by my close support system that I would see the benefits in the near or foreseeable future.

There are actors who lament about the fact that they would like to increase their academic portfolio but are frustrated at the fact that there seem to be no immediate prospects of sponsorship. They spend their days in the workplace as frustrated individuals, always looking for someone or something to blame for their predicament whilst being completely oblivious of available and affordable learning and growth opportunities that may be right under their noses. If only they invested the time to reach out for them!

Time, in the human life cycle of is a valuable yet diminishing resource and it is critical that one utilizes it prudently and sustainably for themselves and generations to come. A missed opportunity might never present itself again.

The professional world has seen itself evolve as regards the quality of its human resources. There is now a rising demand for “T – shaped” professionals which require us to invest in competencies that meet the demands.

An invested state of mind is one of the most powerful attributes of corporate self-discipline. In that state, the corporate actor will be self and environment aware, thereby reducing the chances of missing out on great opportunities.

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