Why Some Companies Grow While Others Fade: Think MPH, Jamaican Style

 

In Jamaica, we’ve seen businesses rise from humble beginnings to become household names — and we’ve also watched others crash and burn. So what’s the difference? Why do some companies survive the test of time, while others mash up? It comes down to three simple principles: MPH — not the speed limit, but something every business owner should live by.

 

M – Meritocracy

 

Jamaicans have a saying: "Every mickle mek a muckle," but that only works if the people putting in the mickles know what they're doing. Choose the right people for the job — not just who you know. Nepotism might feel like the easy route — giving a work to your cousin or friend — but ask yourself: Are they really the best fit? If your business is serious, then your hiring should be too. The success of your company depends on it.

 

P – Pragmatism

 

Jamaicans are known for being resourceful — “tun yuh han’ and mek fashion.” That’s pragmatism at its core. It doesn't matter where the idea comes from — foreign or yard — if it works, use it! Don’t get caught up in big talk or trying to follow some foreign model if it doesn’t fit your business. Whether the “cat” is black, white, or even purple — if it catches rats, keep it. What matters most is results, not appearances.

 

H – Honesty

 

We’ve seen too many businesses in Jamaica fall apart due to corruption and corner-cutting. Some start off with promise, but get caught up in badmind, greed, or shady dealings. The truth is, if the leader nuh have integrity, the whole ship can sink. Look at what happened with big foreign companies like Arthur Andersen. From the outside, it looked like things were running smooth, but behind closed doors, it was a different story. One audit later — and boom! — gone. In Jamaica, word travels fast. If you’re known to deal fair and square, people will support you. If not, “duppy know who fi frighten.”

 

Final Thoughts:

 

In the Jamaican business landscape, MPH isn’t just a clever acronym — it’s a survival code. Build on merit, stay practical, and always keep your business clean. Respect the process, respect your people, and above all — respect yourself.