Better leadership: Eskom or tiny radio station?

This week, Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga took a tidy 26.7% increase in salary, as well as an undisclosed performance bonus. The irony of a ‘performance' bonus for the ring-leader of what is widely perceived as the governmental wing of Boswell & Wilkie was not lost on angry taxpayers.

I had to take a moment to digest this little nugget. I'll tell you why.

Tough game

A couple of months ago, I joined a new community radio station, 93.8fm Radio Midrand, as its morning talk-show host. Community radio stations are always a study in bravery, determination, and hardcore entrepreneurism under fairly gruelling conditions. It's a tough game broadcasting against the big boys.

I've seen the long hours and elbow grease that management plough into their beloved little station each day. Unlike Eskom, they do not earn performance bonuses. In fact, they do not even earn. I was awed and inspired to learn that they contribute money from their other businesses to keep the signal travelling to their listenership, and to make sure their presenters remain on air. The show must go on, and they pay out of their own wallets to ensure it does.

Inspiring!

Not every government department approaches leadership as woefully as Eskom. Take Tokyo Sexwale, who recently introduced ‘austerity measures' in his department, flying economy, and bucking the trend toward expensive luxury vehicles, because, he said, “We need to lead by example.” Go, Tokyo! That's the stuff!

Imagine

Now imagine Eskom pulling this move just one week after Sexwale showed how it could be done. The nett result of these discrepancies in leadership style is simply this: I actually want to hear what Sexwale has to say. I wonder if anybody listens when Mr Maroga speaks...

Of course, we do need to be fair; every leader is entitled to his or her reward. It's just that in a healthy leadership scenario - the kind that inspires devotion - the reward comes after the achievement.

The guys at 93.8fm Radio Midrand understand that concept. Maybe one day, the light bulb will go on at Eskom.