July 2017

As it appeared in the Daily Nation on July 25th, 2017 Many of us might have a story to tell about a toxic workplace experience. It is easy for us to recognize a work environment where toxicity is customary. A toxic work environment is one characterized by infighting, blame games, witch-hunting, sabotage, drama, negativity, hostility, burnout, incompetent managers, micro-management, poor communication or no communication at all, lack of transparency and anything else toxic. It is quite unfortunate that there are a number of such workplaces all around us. Is yours a toxic work environment? Having worked in several organizations and interacted with hundreds, it has been evident that many of our organizations are struggling with toxicity yet they are doing nothing about it. Toxicity at the workplace is unhealthy and it is harmful. I believe that such an environment drains out energy from the best employees and dampens their spirit, it lowers overall productivity and it…

As it appeared in the Daily Nation on July 18th, 2017 There are countless changes all around us. These changes transverse many aspects of both the internal and external environment of businesses. Internally, employers have to deal with a new breed of employees, new systems, new policies, expansion into new regions, exit of key persons, mergers and acquisitions and the like. Externally, businesses have to cope with technological advancements; some technologies becoming obsolete as others become crucial. In additional there are changes in regulations as well as changes in customer needs. Customers being more informed than ever before, being less forgiving, choosy and less loyal. There are also major changes in the market place, entry of new players and opening up of the market to global players. Because of these changes, smart businesses need to deliberately transform themselves in tandem with the times. Most business leaders that I interact with are fully aware when it is…

As it appeared in the Daily Nation on July 11th, 2017 There is something fascinating about going to the market. I like the idea that there is a variety of products. I especially like to buy fresh vegetables and fruits in a market set-up. I often visit the fruits and vegetables market in the Woodley area and Chambers Road in Ngara. I also make purchases from the roadside markets on the Naivasha- Nairobi and Nyeri – Nairobi road. Recently, I stopped at the Gakindu market in Nyeri to witness barter trade. Occasionally, I visit the city market though I dread the stench. I wonder if going to Marigiti and Gikomba markets is still an adventure as it was in the 90’s. Most importantly, I wonder if the Nairobi county government has done enough to develop its markets. What about the other counties? I believe we have different kinds of markets across the country. These markets are…

As it appeared in the Daily Nation on July 7th, 2017 I have had keen interest in retail for two reasons. First, I have previously worked in the retail sector, second, and more importantly because the retail sector has the largest number of customer interactions. Every day, millions of customer interactions take place in all kinds of retail stores. Because of these many interactions, the relationship between customers and retailers can be easily solidified or shattered. Retailers that sell groceries especially have the highest number of interactions per customer. Many such retailers experience high loyalty levels. We all have that one favorite store from where we purchase most of our groceries. In the last ten years, we have witnessed massive growth in the retail sector. Locally, new players have come into the retail space, existing retailers have expanded their store network, and online stores are taking root. Unfortunately, during the same period, we have also witnessed…