Former Chamber President: ‘Beware of Big Promises’

Malta’s business scene is abuzz with whispers of grand plans and ambitious promises. But amidst the hype, one voice stands out, cautioning against the allure of quick fixes and unrealistic expectations. Joseph Borg, former President of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, has a stark warning for us all: ‘Be wary of those who promise a lot.’

From the Horse’s Mouth

Borg, who helmed the Chamber from 2016 to 2020, is no stranger to the island’s business scene. His tenure saw him of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ever-evolving digital scene. His advice, therefore, is not just that of a seasoned observer, but of a man who has steered the ship through stormy waters.

“I’ve seen many a business, many a project, start with grand promises,” Borg says, his voice steady and measured. “But promises are easy to make. It’s the delivery that’s hard.”

Lessons from the Street

Borg’s words echo the wisdom of the streets of Valletta, where the old adage ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ still rings true. From the bustling Republic Street to the quiet corners of Merchants Street, the island’s business community has learned the hard way that success is not built on empty promises.

Take, for instance, the much-hyped project that promised to transform a derelict building into a state-of-the-art tech hub. The promises were grand, the plans were bold, but the reality was far from it. The project, now a mere shell of its former self, serves as a stark reminder of the perils of overpromising and underdelivering.

Promises, Promises

But why are we, as a society, so drawn to big promises? Why do we fall for the siren song of the quick fix, the easy solution? Borg believes it’s a combination of our desire for immediate gratification and our tendency to focus on the short term.

“We live instant gratification,” he says. “We want results now, not in five years’ time. And that’s where the problem lies. Big promises often ignore the long-term implications, the hard work, the patience required to see a project through.”

Borg argues, big promises can create unrealistic expectations, leading to disappointment and disillusionment when those promises aren’t fulfilled. “It’s like promising a child the world,” he says. “You’re setting them up for a fall.”

So, What’s the Alternative?

Borg isn’t suggesting we abandon ambition or settle for mediocrity. Instead, he advocates for a more realistic, sustainable approach to business and project planning.

“Set achievable goals,” he advises. “Underpromise and overdeliver. It’s better to exceed expectations than to fall short of them.”

He also stresses the importance of transparency and communication. “Be open about the challenges you face, the obstacles you have to overcome. That way, people understand that success isn’t just about the end result, but about the journey too.”

In essence, Borg’s advice is not about dampening our ambition, but about tempering it with realism. It’s about understanding that success is not about the grand promises we make, but about the steady, consistent work we do.

As we of the modern business world, let’s remember Borg’s words. Let’s be wary of those who promise a lot. Let’s demand more than just promises. Let’s insist on action, on progress, on results.

Because, as Borg says, “Talk is cheap. It’s the doing that counts.”