Sharpening the saw at Clean Technology Hub

Stephen Covey’s epochal book highlighted the significance of sharpening the saw. It is a metaphor that refers to taking time for self-renewal in all aspects of a person’s life.

Taking a break to sharpen the saw lets the cutter cut through the wood more quickly and efficiently.

It was sharpening-the-saw time for the Clean Technology Hub (CTH) team, the Abuja-based firm pushing the envelope in the alternative energy space from 12 to 15 June 2024.

Ms Ifeoma Malo, the CEO, gathered her 36-person strong team to the tranquil gardens and meeting rooms of the Zuma Rock Resort on the outskirts of Abuja. They spent four days learning, playing, and bonding.

Beautiful setting. The “Garden of Zuma” was just the right place for all that sharpening the saw entails.

Four dimensions of life are involved in sharpening the saw. Experts say they are:

·       Physical: Taking care of your body through exercise, healthy eating, and enough sleep.

·       Mental: Learning new things, reading, challenging yourself intellectually.

·       Social/Emotional: Spending time with loved ones, building solid relationships, and giving back to your community.

·       Spiritual: Finding meaning and purpose in life, connecting with something bigger than yourself (this doesn't necessarily have to be religious).

Most of the CTH team are young people in their 20s and 30s. Their experience was illuminating.

They shared their organisation's vision and mission, questioned everything, sought answers, illumination, and direction, and collaborated on directions, old and new. They rode bicycles, walked the green grass of Zuma, networked, and bonded.

Ultimately, they confessed fresh vistas and renewed vigour for the tasks ahead.