You’ve set the plans, rolled out the policies, and put the systems in place. Everything looks perfect on paper. But somehow, things don’t quite click—teams struggle, turnover creeps up, and performance wavers
So, what’s missing?
Let me tell you a story you’ve probably heard before — the popular fable of the “Golden Goose” by Aesop.
A farmer finds a goose that lays a golden egg every single day. At first, he treats it with care, marvelling at the treasure it brings. But over time, greed creeps in. He wants it all at once, so he cuts the goose open—only to find… nothing. No eggs, no gold, just regret.
The farmer’s mistake is a powerful reminder that the things that create value every day need care, attention, and respect. So, if the goose represents what brings value every day, who or what is this goose in your organization? Almost always, it’s the people—those who show up, solve problems, and carry the vision forward
At Vital Solutions Africa, we consistently see that the difference between teams that thrive and those that struggle is not always resources or ambition — it’s how people are treated, led, and supported.
It’s easy to focus on structures, KPIs, and strategies. But organizations don’t succeed because of plans alone. They succeed because of the people who show up every day, carry the vision, and solve problems.
Culture shapes how decisions are made, how mistakes are handled, and how leaders show up. As Peter Drucker famously said: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
When people feel valued, trusted, and respected, they don’t just work — they take ownership, engage, and stay. Organizations that intentionally invest in people and culture are not only more productive — they are more innovative, resilient, and capable of sustaining growth.
So, how can we better recognize, support, and connect with the people who drive our success every day?
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