As for many companies, they will deliberate for months over their strategy, and then when they decide on implementing it they soon realise that either their strategy has become out-dated, or their plan of action was completely off-the-mark.

Even worse, is when the company has a reasonably good strategy, but they don’t have the correct people or the means to execute their strategy. As bizarre as this may seem, this dilemma may be happening more often than one thinks, especially when there is economic turbulence and companies are forced into desperate responses to save the bottom line.

Needless to say, there may even be a very good chance that aspects of this dilemma could be happening within your own company, and particularly so when there are bottlenecks with the supply chain and ‘one hand may not know what the others doing’ so to speak.

As for the manufacturing and automotive industries for example, specialist management performance companies such as Rifle-Shot Performance Holdings specifically step-in to assist companies and their leaders to avoid the typical trap-falls of strategy fatigue, including duplication within operational performance amongst other related services.

It therefore comes as no surprise that their name is synonymous with exactly what they are so good at doing in business – rifle shot precision – which they undertake with par excellence each time they are called in by their impressive following of clients.

Whether it has anything to do with consulting and their deadly accurate execution (also covering mining, metals, process and utilities industry sectors), one can almost bet that Rifle-Shot is somehow involved.

Needless to say, the long-standing association between CGF Research Institute and Rifle-Shot has grown since they became a Corporate Patron of CGF in 2011. Through this period, the relationship has grown substantially, and both companies are united in their belief that sound governance, ethical decisions and well considered strategies are the main ingredients for business sustainability and economic success.

The companies have embarked upon a call to action, specifically to address the systemic challenges of unproductive supply chains which amongst other, exacerbates the deep crisis of unemployment, poverty and crime.

And while the fundamental principles of good governance have remained the stronghold which has brought CGF and Rifle-Shot even closer, the news that Rifle-Shot had decided to renew their Corporate Patronship with CGF for a further two years was met with great excitement amongst the members of these companies.

There is no doubt that when companies such as CGF and Rifle-Shot collaborate their thinking, their joint themes for good governance and raising the bar for South Africa remain central to their discussions, as well as their professional services.

The adage that “the chain is as strong as its weakest link” certainly rings true; but the question still remains whether or not government and corporate South Africa are hearing this while they remain divided on many pressing socio-economic issues? Indeed, a lot of work needs to be done in South Africa as it continues to limp ahead with an annual GDP of circa 2%.

Both CGF and Rifle-Shot remain bullish in believing that in order to turn the tide of unemployment (and the associated societal ills), companies will need to critically focus upon their ailing governance issues as well as address matters within companies which include; its business and operational intelligence, their relationships with suppliers and customers (stakeholders), as well as the manner in which the company executes its processes and systems.

This would be the catalyst to unlock true value for South Africa, and in so doing, the chances that businesses in South Africa would be able to create 6 million (decent) new jobs — as forecasted in the ANC’s 2014 election manifesto — may be that much greater.

Rifle-Shot has most certainly shown their fortitude through their support and partnership with CGF, considering that neither of these companies are the heavy weights of the JSE.

Rather ironically and notwithstanding the size of these two companies, CGF and Rifle Shot is making a significant difference when it comes to assisting the major South African companies understand, and deal with the wide nuances associated with sound business governance practices.

As is customary with CGF and its Corporate Patrons, all the companies within Rifle-Shot’s supply chain will be able to qualify for substantially reduced pricing in the event that they wish to avail themselves of CGF’s Corporate Governance Body of Knowledge software programme. This special offer will continue for a further two year period through Rifle-Shots’ Corporate Patronship with CGF.