Get In Touch
277 Jorissen St, Paardeplaats
177 IQ, Krugersdorp
[email protected]
Ph: +27 11 668 4300

Why be Mediocre when you can be Magnificent?

Mediocrity takes a lot less time than magnificence and the danger is that it’s extremely silent in its damage. When we notice mediocrity’s detrimental effects, it is for the mostpart, too late. South Africa’s education system has developed a reputation for promoting a culture of mediocrity. It is widely verbalized that this mediocrity will undermine the economical growth of the country. Could the most sinister influence on our youth be not violence, drugs, smoking, alcohol nor sexual recklessness, but indeed an acceptance of “third rate?” There is many a call, “mediocre education must go,” but are we kidding ourselves? Is mediocrity in education and training in South Africa forever?

Mediocrity is defined by Merriam-Webster as:
me·di·oc·ri·ty
noun \ˌmē-dē-ˈä-krə-tē\
: the quality of something that is not very good : the quality or stte of being mediocre
: a person who does not have the special ability to do something well

The recent Matric results come to mind when thinking about the definition of mediocrity in education and training. There are certainly numerous incidences in Further Education and Training of “slack” training institutions and non-productive training authorities. Spend five minutes on the various educational sites and portals for such scary stories! All these examples could probably start a debate on mediocrity lasting all day and all night.

Solving mediocrity by throwing solutions at the symptoms, like adjusting pass rates, does not solve anything at all. How can one expect people to really achieve something special when they have been told that everything they do, regardless of the standard or quality, is an achievement? Training Providers have a LARGE part to play here, because there are some who drop their standards to simply pass learners. They fall into the very same trap of mediocrity (and corruption to say the least). So the sickness called “mediocrity in training and education” continues.

There is good news though. Mediocrity is a choice and we can choose not to accept mediocrity in education and training. We can in fact choose magnificence. Whether you are a parent looking for a Training Institution for your children, a Human Resources Manager looking for a Provider or a learner seeking a worthwhile course, choose excellence.

      1. Ask yourself if you accept “third rate.”
      2. Don’t wander aimlessly from training provider to training provider. Look for accreditation. Look for passion and commitment. Look for magnificence. It is available.
      3. Price and value are NOT the same thing.
      4. It’s never too late to change your Training Provider, or your Programme. Strive for magnificence always.
      5. Set yourself NEW challenges every 6 months. Avoid falling into the mediocrity rut.
      6. Aim high, definitely higher than the “pass mark.”
      7. Seek examples of magnificence in education and training and use these as motivations.

Find some real live examples on https://www.facebook.com/AdultEducationSA

“You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be.”
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, author of motivational books

Sources

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mediocrity

Book a Call

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Employees. Leave your details & our team get back to you.

Note: Please be assured that all personal data submitted is handled with the utmost confidentiality & will only be used for the purpose of addressing your inquiries.

Book a Call

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Employees. Leave your details & our team get back to you.

Note: Please be assured that all personal data submitted is handled with the utmost confidentiality & will only be used for the purpose of addressing your inquiries.