On Sticking One’s Neck Out (A Message for Youth Month)

November 22nd, 2016

I recently attended the launch of the Economic Growth Council’s (EGC) Call to Action (with the hashtag #5in4 – 5% growth in 4 years, in other words). It was a glitzy affair, complete with disco lights and plush armchairs, and I wrote more about it on my blog. The Chair of the EGC Michael Lee-Chin, in his usual cheery optimistic manner, believes ” 5 in 4″ is doable. He also asserted that it would be an “inclusive” approach to economic growth (this remains to be seen, of course). This plan, chimed in Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is “pro-poor” in the sense that it seeks to eliminate poverty and enhance knowledge, access to finance and amenities – opportunities for all. It all sounds marvelous.

You can go a long way with a big, optimistic smile: Chair of the Economic Growth Council Michael Lee-Chin (left) with Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the launch of the EGC in April this year at Jamaica House. (Photo: JIS)

A couple of by-the-way comments struck me as interesting. MC Khadine Hylton mentioned a “lack of confidence” among Jamaicans. Where does this come from, I wonder? Mr. Lee-Chin described the importance of “sticking one’s neck out,” but seemed to suggest in further comments that it was easier for him personally, coming from his relatively comfortable middle-class education back in the 1960s – in an era where there was, supposedly, less competition for jobs and opportunities. The EGC Chair also talked a lot about Jamaicans “taking ownership” of the economic tangles our country has been embroiled in for so long. This is a nice catch-phrase, but what exactly was he getting at? I think it’s all to do with sticking one’s neck out. We have to take these challenges on, shoulder the burden and do something about it, in our own way.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained…NIAGARA FALLS, NY USA, May 16,2012 : Nik Wallenda practices before crowds in the Seneca Niagara Casino parking lot for his death defying historic tight rope walk over Niagara Falls on June 15, 2012. In this case though, I would suggest a safety net!

Making such bold moves – whether in business or some other aspect of one’s life – is, of course, all about confidence and self-belief. Beyond that, it is about assessing the risks and doing it anyway, while keeping them in mind. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” as my grandmother used to say. Risk is a bad thing though, isn’t it? You have only to ask our local bankers (oh, Mr. Lee-Chin is a banker!) who, in my view, never appear very willing to help Jamaican businesspeople take that bold step. They would rather give Jamaicans a loan to attend a beach party or to buy a fancy car than to start a business. Or is that changing? Is it really changing?

Yet, against all the odds, young people like Lacy-Ann Bartley and Tyrone Wilson take large and small risks every day (does it get easier as you go along, I wonder? Somehow, I doubt it). Yes, they stick their necks out. In what has always been a relatively treacherous and uncertain economic environment, I am always impressed by these young people. Yet, what makes so many other Jamaicans so tentative, so “lacking in confidence” as Ms. Hylton said? Is it fear of ridicule, what their peers might think? Is it fear of failure? There is definitely some fear; something holds people back.

Everyone needs a leg up from time to time.

We (by “we” I mean the public and private sector) need to create a new atmosphere – something like Mr. Lee-Chin’s “can do” approach. We may say it’s easy for him – he has already “arrived” – but we’ve got to start somewhere. So, my feeling is that our young people (who often strike me as oddly conservative and cautious, especially the middle-class youth) need to step up. Cast aside the peer pressure, be inspired by those like Mr. Lee-Chin, get out and do something. I would tell young people that they have the energy and ideas; try putting them into practice, and don’t let people tell you “you don’t have any experience.” Well, of course you don’t; but that is the whole point of youth. Help build the much-talked-about Green Economy! Start a mentorship program for kids! Go out there and engage, expand your horizons. Life is more than Twitter and KFC! And most of all, our young people need support, whether moral or practical or financial; all the time, every day. It’s Youth Month. Let’s think about ways in which we can do this – give our young people a “leg up.”

Stick your necks out. You may be surprised, because the view might actually be better out there. It’s either that, or pull back into your safe shell.

Tags: Andrew Holness, Economic Growth Council, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, Jamaica, Khadine Hylton, Lacy-Ann Bartley, Michael Lee-Chin, Prime Minister, Tyrone Wilson