Mr Thulani Gcabashe's story:
 

Fred van der Linde, founder and MD of The Vine & Oak Foundation, has been an integral part of my executive well-being over the past 7 years of my involvement as CEO of Eskom (Mr Thulani Gcabashe, former CEO Eskom).

Back in 2000, Fred visited the executive team of Eskom and introduced the idea of pastoral care for executive members as part of Eskom’s Corporate Wellness Programme.

At the time I was not so convinced that this would be of great benefit to me personally for two reasons. Firstly I was very happy in my church and felt I had all the spiritual nourishment and guidance I needed. Secondly, I had a good relationship with the Bishop of our church at the time and we were in fact in discussion about him playing a bigger role in supporting business people who belonged to our church. So to say the least, I was sceptical. I figured however that I would have nothing to lose and so took up the offer with minimal enthusiasm.

Looking back I can only say how glad I am that I allowed Fred into my worklife to minister and encourage me in the many challenges that the work environment throws at one.

Mr Thulani Gcabashe, former CEO Eskom

Fred’s involvement in my life personally and on an executive level in Eskom, has been in three different ways:

• Firstly, private prayer sessions;

• secondly, group prayers at the Exco - especially at strategic breakaway sessions; and lastly

• through messages of support during difficult periods either via sms or a telephone call.

At least once a month Fred and I have a thirty minute session in my office. These sessions are normally centred on a reading from the Leadership Bible, following selected themes. However the sessions always start with a general discussion about broader issues in one’s life, including family. After the reading, we then have a discussion about the meaning of the passage in order to relate it to the requirements of leadership in the work place. The Leadership Bible is particularly valuable in this regard because it identifies a scripture lesson for almost every leadership situation that one would encounter at work. Fred’s pastoral skills come to the fore as he provides the guidance on interpreting the reading and its meaning.

These moments are precious in that one’s own spirituality grows because the lessons are relevant to the work context, which is where one’s endeavours are focused most of the day. But these moments also provide a time for reflection about the job at hand, the impact that this has on others, one’s career and where it is going and so on. We would always end these sessions by kneeling down in prayer.

On at least two occasions every year, the Executive Committee will take a few days away from the business to go and plan the strategic issues requiring uninterrupted attention. These are great times for any team, as we are not only away from work but also understandably absent to carry out particularly those family chores you can do without. We focus on each other as a team and can easily become self- indulgent. Whenever possible, we would start these meetings off with a time of quiet reflection and prayer. The value of this is the grounding it provides – the realisation that the time we have has to be best utilised in getting to the core of matters and in seeking the best solutions even if they are the hardest ones. This requires wisdom and courage as well as intellectual sincerity.

In any work environment there will be moments when many things seem to go wrong creating a management challenge of enormous proportions. In our business we have had to, and will continue to, manage a very tight power system. During times of power shortage, as happened in the Western Cape in the early part of 2006, support from Fred has been tremendous. Sms messages or a personal phone call with a message of encouragement goes a long way to comforting one when others are “throwing stones”.  Fred does not judge, but gives wholehearted support on the basis that it is the most important help that can be rendered at the time.

What is great about this is that it allows one to find the strength to focus on the solution to the problem instead of feeling dejected and alienated. It is truly empowering.

Fred and the fellowship he has provided, has indeed played an important role in my career as a leader in Eskom. I also know that I am not the only one who has benefited in this way. I can only hope that this will continue with all future leaders.

Many thanks to you Fred and the various teams you have worked with over the years.