Perception is, for the most part, is seen as reality. Perceptions are not always correct (we have all judged a book by the cover, and been surprised), and most likely based upon beliefs that may or may not be the reality.
So what are your perceptions about Africa, the African economy and African people? One of my funniest questions asked so often is, "How hot is it in Africa?" to which I so often reply about the snow that falls on the Drakensburg, mountains in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
Being a "legal alien", finding myself as an African in the US, I have some across many people that have shared their perceptions about Africa with me. Not every Nigerian is sitting at a Western Union waiting for scam money to be sent to them, not every citizen of Africa lives in absolute poverty in tin houses and certainly not every African is a ruthless war lord, wreaking havoc through communities.
Perceptions point out to me what people do not know, not what is assumed as general knowledge. Perceptions are a form of gossip that we hear round the coffee table in the office or at the kids sporting events as we catch up with those around us. Since these perceptions reveal a lack of knowledge, then I am amazed at why so few people take the time to study and learn the truth about the area or thoughts covered by certain perceptions.
Most people with perceptions about Africa have never been to Africa, and therefore their reality about Africa is not based on truth and facts, rather gossip heard from others including the media. They are not aware of the thriving young people that are peaceful and love community, they love to be part of the global community and to be given the opportunity to show off their intellect and inspiring ideas.
In what other ways have your perceptions about business plagued your career or small business?
So what are your perceptions about Africa, the African economy and African people? One of my funniest questions asked so often is, "How hot is it in Africa?" to which I so often reply about the snow that falls on the Drakensburg, mountains in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.
Being a "legal alien", finding myself as an African in the US, I have some across many people that have shared their perceptions about Africa with me. Not every Nigerian is sitting at a Western Union waiting for scam money to be sent to them, not every citizen of Africa lives in absolute poverty in tin houses and certainly not every African is a ruthless war lord, wreaking havoc through communities.
Perceptions point out to me what people do not know, not what is assumed as general knowledge. Perceptions are a form of gossip that we hear round the coffee table in the office or at the kids sporting events as we catch up with those around us. Since these perceptions reveal a lack of knowledge, then I am amazed at why so few people take the time to study and learn the truth about the area or thoughts covered by certain perceptions.
Most people with perceptions about Africa have never been to Africa, and therefore their reality about Africa is not based on truth and facts, rather gossip heard from others including the media. They are not aware of the thriving young people that are peaceful and love community, they love to be part of the global community and to be given the opportunity to show off their intellect and inspiring ideas.
In what other ways have your perceptions about business plagued your career or small business?
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