The big question - Old post

After the polling today we will have the losers and winners, to winners I just want to remind them the famous nsensei and the martial artist black belt award winner paradox in Jim Collins and Jerry I Porras's book Built To Last.

After tough campaigns there are those who are going to be declared winners and obviously we will have the losers if it it happens that two contenders get equal results there will be a repeat then.

But my massage today is to winners, they shouldn't think that after winning the election it time to cerebrate the hard work they undertook in campaigning, Cerebrate Yes, it good to cerebrate for success, but they shouldn't rest on Laure.

Collins and Porras in their book Built to Last reminds us about a martial artist who after years of relentless training the students has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline

"Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," Says the nsensei.
"I am ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one more final round of sparring.
"You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?"
"The end of my journey," says the student. " A well deserved reward for all my hard work."
The Nsensei waits for more. Clearly he is not satisfied. Finally the Nsensei speaks. "You are not yet for the black belt. return in one year."
A year later a students kneels again in front of the Nsensei.
"What is the true meaning of the black belt? asks the Nsensei.
"A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," says the students
The Nsensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly he is not satisfied. Finally he speaks "You are still not ready for the black belt, return in one year."
A year later a student kneels once again in front of the Nsensei. And again the nsensei asks: "What is the true meaning of the black belt?"
"The black belt represents the beginning-the start of never-ending journey of discipline, work, and pursuit of an ever-higher standard," says the student.
"Yes you are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work,"
So my congratulation message to those who will emerge winners after the counting of votes should understand this clearly as Tanzanians are now awake they want to see actions and not words.