Letsile Tebogo showed Botswana the formula of achieving Vision 2036 by winning the Africa and the nation’s first-ever Olympic men’s 200m gold medal, becoming a beacon of inspiration not just in athletics but in all forms of discipline.

Tebogo’s victory is not just a symbol of athletic excellence, but also a representation of the winning mindset that Batswana must adopt to achieve Vision 2036.

This national vision aspires to transform Botswana into a high-income country by 2036, achieving prosperity for all through an export-led economy underpinned by diversified, inclusive, and sustainable growth driven by high levels of productivity.

Tebogo’s journey demonstrates that with the right mindset and relentless effort, no goal is too ambitious, and no challenge is insurmountable.

1. Resilience through challenges a key lesson for Vision 2036

Letsile Tebogo’s path to success was not smooth. He faced numerous challenges this year, but his resilience and perseverance allowed him to rise above obstacles and become a world champion.

Similarly, Botswana’s journey towards Vision 2036 is bound to encounter difficulties such as periods of economic downturn, resource limitations, and unforeseen challenges.

These adversities should not deter us. Just as Tebogo adapted, persevered, and found ways to excel, everyone in Botswana must commit to the course and the spirit of continual improvement.

For Vision 2036 to succeed, we must all emulate Tebogo’s persistence, finding creative ways to thrive even in adverse conditions. The nation should reflect in the way they do things and change, they should strive for better productivity, and aim for excellence.

2. Commitment, Hard Work, and Sacrifice

The dedication and sacrifices Letsile Tebogo made such as gruelling physical training and personal sacrifices, are truly admirable.

These qualities are essential not just in athletics but in any endeavour, such as running a business and implementing National Development Plans.

Organisations must stop condoning poor performance and lack of accountability. Leaders must step up, guide their teams with purpose and ensure that their strategic objectives are achieved.

Employees must also shift their mindsets; laziness and complacency cannot make us a high-income nation. Vision 2036 cannot be realised if workers engage in “quiet quitting” or perform only at bare minimum of their true capabilities. Resources will always be limited, so the nation must apply principles like the 80/20 Pareto rule, focusing efforts on the most impactful areas to ensure efficient resource utilisation.

Additionally, the persistent culture of doing fake work that does not deliver performance targets, of putting unqualified individuals in strategic positions, and selfishness must end.

Vision 2036 is a collective goal that requires selflessness, integrity, and shared commitment.

Botswana cannot afford to tolerate mediocrity; achieving a high-income status demands a culture shift towards excellence, accountability, and results-driven action.

3. The Power of Confidence

The unwavering confidence and bravery displayed by Team Botswana in competing against powerhouse nations like America and Britain highlight the crucial role that self-belief plays in achieving success.

Despite the odds, they demonstrated that when one believes in their capabilities and remains focused, remarkable achievements are possible. This same confidence must be embraced by all Batswana as the nation strives toward Vision 2036.

For Botswana to realise its aspirations of becoming a high-income nation with diversified and sustainable growth, we must collectively adopt a winning mindset demonstrated by Letsile Tebogo.

Believing in our ability to compete on the global stage is essential for transforming this vision into reality. Confidence has a ripple effect that extends beyond individual achievements.

When a nation believes in itself, it fosters unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence. Vision 2036 requires Botswana to become a high-performing society capable of driving significant economic and social

progress.

By adopting the same level of self-assurance that propelled Team Botswana to success, we can cultivate a culture of high performance and global competitiveness.

This confidence, rooted in hard work and dedication, will enable the country to overcome challenges, innovate, and achieve greatness as a united and purpose-driven nation.

4. Embrace His Winning Spirit

The success story of Letsile Tebogo and Team Botswana at the 2024 Olympics is more than just a celebration of athletic prowess—it is a powerful narrative that embodies the spirit needed to achieve Vision 2036.

Every individual, organisation, and leader in Botswana should tap into this winning mindset in their respective endeavours.

Whether it’s in personal growth, organisational goals, or national development, adopting the values of perseverance, commitment, and self-belief will propel Botswana toward its vision of becoming a high-income economy by 2036.

The formula is clear: a shared mindset rooted in excellence, resilience, and unwavering focus is what will transform Botswana’s future.

The Author is a member of Organisational Excellence Specialists in Canada, holds Master of Science in Strategic Management, is a Certified Manager of Quality and Organisational Excellence from America Society for

Quality.

He is also a Certified Professional Excellence Assessor, Master Excellence Trainer, Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, ISO 9001:2015 Certified. Contact: 72211182, Website: www.iqm.co.bw and Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Veron Mosalakatane