Making Right Choices

Nothing will impact your life more than the choices you make. For this reason, on the first day of their 5 Mountain Programme, learners are given three graphic (stories) outcomes for their lives under the following headings:

• Mountain Track A: Attractive but Aimless.
• Mountain Track B: Bountiful but Barren.
• Mountain Track C: Challenging but Correct.

Learners are taught that Desires + Choices + Actions + Consequences = Their Life, Good or Bad. They must make a choice as to which mountain track they will choose to build their future. This is important since the choices they make, even at this young age, will have an impact on their future. They would need to hit the road running after their education, so the experience they receive from those who have gone before, will be of great benefit to them. In this respect what they learn from experienced businessmen and women is invaluable.

During the teaching of Mountain 1, they are introduced to core values and ethics which we believe will have a bearing on their success as entrepreneurs and as businessmen and women. Guiding them to become people of value is an important part of their training as they work their way through the 5 Mountains.

Core Values and Ethics

It has been said that if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. Money plays an important role in business and often people compromise their value system, often because of some material gain. Almost daily, through the media, we hear of one or other person in high office compromising their ethical standards which ruins their reputation, their business and often many others in the process, because of some material gain.

At BBN we believe the following six pillars are relevant to business and personal success in respect of adopting worthwhile core values and ethics.

Trustworthiness

Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat or steal. Be reliable, do what you say you’ll do. Have the courage to do the right thing. Build a good reputation. Be loyal, stand by your family, friends and country.

Respect

Treat others with respect. Follow the Golden Rule. Be tolerant of differences. Use good manners, not bad language. Be considerate of the feelings of others. Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone. Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do. Persevere, keep on trying! Always do your best. Use self-control. Be self-disciplined. Think before you act, consider the consequences. Be accountable for your choices.

Fairness

Play by the rules. Take turns and share. Be open-minded, listen to others. Don’t take advantage of others. Don’t blame others carelessly.

Caring

Be kind. Be compassionate and show your care. Express gratitude. Forgive others. Help people in need.

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better. Co-operate. Get involved in community affairs. Stay informed. Vote. Be a good neighbour. Obey laws and rules. Respect authority. Protect the environment.
Courtesy: Josephson Institute

BBN’s practical plan is to inspire, encourage and develop as many of our youth as possible to become the best that they can become, including that of successful job creators.