HR Pulse

Papa: Past to present

The Institute of People Management (IPM) is about to host its 56th annual conference which focuses on how HR can take a leadership role in an organisation. In a previous article, I discussed the event. In this article, I will paint a picture of 'Papa' (Rre Elijah Litheko), the CEO of IPM.

Papa is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the non-profit organisation. His substantial business and HR experience have contributed to his strong belief that SA needs to position itself in a global context in order to succeed. His aim is to position IPM to play an essential role in shaping the transformation of HR on a global scale. Since assuming his position at IPM in 2005, he has been rebuilding the organisation with this goal in mind. His action and outcomes-focused approach and ability to acquire and maintain strategic partnerships have enabled IPM to offer leading-edge programmes in key areas of HR.

Papa’s beginning

Papa grew up in the harsh times of Apartheid when work opportunities were limited because the apartheid system prohibited black people from rising up to senior positions. However, these restrictions relaxed in the late 1970s. This is when Papa began his career in the mining industry. He became a black intersalvations officer. This meant managing the work council which was a committee which enabled mine workers to discuss their grievances with management in a controlled environment. The work councils formed the groundwork from which trade unions would develop.

Papa’s main duty was to help employee representatives and management understand how to manage this process.

While working, Papa studied at IPM and obtained what was then known as the IPM diploma. This was considered to be a ‘powerful’ qualification.

In 1978, while Papa was still studying, he approached a mine hoping to be appointed as its personnel officer however, he was chased away... Papa recalls being told:

“You are mad! What do you think you are? Becoming a personnel officer? Hierso?”

Papa later, while working at HLH Management, met one of the men who had rejected him. Ironically, the man was meeting him to apply for a job!

Papa’s HR career

Linked Pin approach

In the early days of his career at Hunt Leuchars and Hepburn (HLH), Papa witnessed and was a part of a chain of communication called the ‘Linked Pin’ approach. It was a process where Papa’s manager had meetings with top HR management, who had meetings with the boss. In this way, the HR manager of level A staff would have meetings with the head of level B personnel and the head of level B personnel would have meetings with the HR manager of level C employees and so forth down the line. At each level, they then used “action management” meaning they would learn vital lessons from the experiences of the managers above them.

Black Advancement Leadership Programme

Papa played a huge role in implementing the successful Black Advancement Leadership Programme. He drove and facilitated the programme for previously disadvantaged people. This programme was based on the idea of mentoring and created a kind of ‘academy’ where all participants learnt various business principles from one another.

The next step in his career led him to the South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) where he became a member of the executive team. He helped in the restructuring and transformation of SAFCOL from 2002 to 2005. After SAFCOL, Papa joined IPM.

Papa’s greatest influence

One of Papa’s greatest influences in his life is his grandmother. She taught him a lesson that he has never forgot.

She always told him to remember all the details of his time at church. She would quiz him afterwards, even asking him what verse and chapter of the bible were cited! These memory quizzes helped Papa to ‘never forget’, a trait that has helped him throughout his career.

His grandmother also instilled a great faith in God into Papa and this steadfast faith helped him to do what was necessary in following God’s plan.

There is no doubt that, with Papa behind the wheel, IPM will be able to achieve the vision of transforming HR on a global scale.