‘Be forthright in making decisions’
by Rohana Jayalal
When you see a successful person, you do not see what has taken place
behind the scenes. All of them have made mistakes on their way up, but
have moved on.
They have struggled through failure and bad decisions, before finding
a solution, Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic Development,
Dr Harsha de Silva told the MBA convocation ceremony of Next Campus at
the Central Bank auditorium, Rajagiriya last week.
Excerpts of the speech
Decision-making is a vital part of managing a business, institution
or organisation. In management and economic classes you would have
learned the art of making appropriate and direct decisions. MBA students
should make their own decisions whether their superiors tolerate them or
not.
You should be forthright but not evasive in making decisions in
keeping with the demands of the competitive economic world. Superiors
may or may not make decisions based on outdated sources which they are
familiar with.
It would be prudent on your part to listen to the views of your
management, business and marketing team and conclude whether their views
are compatible with yours or reach a consensus on issues, Dr de Silva
said.
Powerful leaders take intuition into consideration and gather facts,
evidence and data to support or throw away that gut feeling, he said.
You may get a second chance to reconsider your position when you
listen to their arguments and point of view.
Nobody propelled me into politics. I ventured into politics when my
party was in the Opposition. Despite intimidation, mud-slinging, I made
a bold decision. Today, I can contribute my might to the governing
party.People disillusioned with the previous regime clamoured for a
regime change. We took it seriously and harnessed the energy to achieve
it. In the end we won.”
Your graduation is a significant step, not only in your own
educational sphere but in the progress of this country towards greater
economic and intellectual heights. Make the most of the education you
have received through contributions to your profession, organisation and
community.
Our role, in dispersing the knowledge and talent we have had the
privilege to gain, is vital for the progress of our nation, said Dr de
Silva.
“I believe you, as MBA graduates would make correct decisions and
render a valuable service to the country and to your family as well.
The MBA program of the Mahatma Gandhi University was conducted in Sri
Lanka by Next Campus for over one-and-half-years.
Sixty two students, mostly senior managers of the corporate and State
sector received their certificates.
Dr Harsha De Silva, Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic
Development was the chief guest Leading corporate personalities and
academics were present.
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