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Tag: transformational

  • Transformational leadership in Lagos State

    Transformational leadership in Lagos State

    I start this piece with a confession. I have been mentally tortured in the last 72 hours over the turn taken by the greatest democracy on earth, the United States of America. I have watched partisanship go awry and political leaders wallowing in the mud of hateful nationalism.

    The final straw for me was President Trump’s announcement of a new Supreme Court nominee to fill a vacancy that occurred 11 months ago, when President Obama still had a`year to the end of his term. Confirmation of Obama’s nominee was, however, blocked for that length of time by the Republicans in Senate because they wanted a new president to make the nomination.

    Now that Trump has nominated a conservative, happy Republicans have called on Senate Democrats not to block the nomination. I wrestled with this development and was on the verge of mental breakdown. Is this what liberal democracy has come to? I thought of pouring my mind out on this matter in this column. But I eventually decided against starting a new month on such a depressing matter.

    Fortunately, I woke up on Wednesday morning and saw a more heart-warming story about the workings of democracy even in our own corner of the world. Yes, not too long ago, we were a pariah to the world of liberal democracy even though the leadership of that world hardly lifted a finger to help us out. Thankfully, while we still have issues to deal with, especially at the centre, we should beat our chests regarding the pockets of progress which give us reason to keep hope alive.

    I am especially elated about the story of Lagos State and the commitment of its leadership to development and human investment. It is what transformational leadership is about.

    In the last dispensation, we heard a lot about transformational leadership, especially at the federal level. Indeed, we were inundated with a well-orchestrated campaign of transformation agenda. We know now how it all ended in the dustbin of history.

    However, what the centre has not been able to achieve in 17 years of democratic governance, Lagos State has shown how, even in a democracy (as opposed to military dictatorship), transformational leadership at the helm of a people-centred administration can energise and inspire citizens. In the process, the people have a renewed hope in the future and an optimistic sense of what they can accomplish. In short, the people buy into leadership vision and both leadership and people can launch a new era of development. It is a win-win situation.

    The story that motivated this piece appears under the title “Ambode’s Massive Infrastructural Plan” in ThisDay edition of Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Apart from the content of the governor’s message at the meeting, which by itself was uplifting, what impressed me is that it was in the context of the sixth Town Hall meeting that the governor has held with the people on a quarterly basis, and the first in the new year.

    In practice, democracy thrives when the people, as the subject and object of governance, are not abandoned to their fate after elections, but are constantly coopted into government activities through regular interactive sessions. That Governor Ambode has institutionalised such meetings is a credit to his democratic credentials.

    The form is important. But the substance is even more so. What have been the concrete achievements of the administration of Governor Ambode in the last 20 months since he was sworn in to lead the Centre of Excellence?

    I recall the confusion and anxiety that characterised his first couple of months in office. There was traffic gridlock. There was concern for security of lives and property with the increasing menace of traffic robbers and kidnappers. And there was water shortage problem.

    Rather than panic at the time, however, I simply went down memory lane. I recalled Governor Ambode’s challenges were not dissimilar to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s in the first few months of his administration in 1999. Then Asiwaju received an earful from critics who were nostalgic about the administration of Military Governor Marwa. It was like the Israelites attacking Moses who liberated them from the Egyptian oppression! Asiwaju’s assurance that he had a plan for a lasting solution to the challenges did not persuade the critics. But when the turn-around kicked in, they were also the first to applaud. That has also been the experience of Ambode.

    Transformational leadership is thoughtful leadership. It is not a fire-fighter approach to governance. It develops a solid plan to tackle the root cause of problems such that, once applied, the problem does not have a chance of recurring. The continuity of progressive leadership in Lagos State for 17 years has also been a bonus. The governor did not have to reinvent the wheel of planning as he wisely decided to execute and further the achievement of the 2012-2025 development plan.

    It is under the auspices of this plan that Ambode has made enormous progress in the transformation of the state. Think of the impact of the initiative for the construction of 114 roads across the 57 local governments and local council development areas. At the Town Hall meeting, he announced an additional 181 roads projects across the state. Meanwhile, generously supplied street lights have dramatically transformed night life in Lagos.

    In December 2016, Governor Ambode launched the LAKE rice project, a collaboration between Lagos State and Kebbi State, which has brought down considerably the cost of rice in the state, and probably across the Southwest. This is another example of transformational leadership. While I find this highly commendable, and without any prejudice against Kebbi State, I do hope that there will be similar collaborations in future between Lagos and land-rich states in the Southwest. How about LAYO (be joyful) rice?

    One of the campaign promises of Governor Ambode was the creation of an Employment Trust Fund to boost job creation for the benefit of Lagosians. This is an important component of human investment without which there can be no economic or social transformation. The governor delivered on this promise at the inauguration of the Fund in March 2016, with an on-the-spot instruction to the Commissioner for Finance to disburse the yearly payment of N6.25 billion to the Fund. With government lifting the heavy side of the load, it sent a powerful message to the private sector to discharge its social responsibilities.

    Transformational leadership is a function of a vision and a determination to realise it despite the odds. To realise their vision, transformational leaders rely on the best hands to which they give the necessary support to succeed. That has been the story of Lagos State in the Fourth Republic. Governors have not been overly bogged down by political or partisan considerations. Since Asiwaju Tinubu himself had led in this area, his successors enjoyed the freedom to hire and fire their associates without been imposed upon. The state has been the beneficiary.

    Governor Ambode’s vision, as enunciated in his inaugural address on May 29, 2015, afforded us an understanding of his priorities. “No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos work for you.”  In addition, he declared, “I will make your taxes work for you.” This was his full-throated promise.

    It was a simple message that resonated with citizens of the state. And now that they are witnessing the systematic fulfilment of the promise, their sense of citizen obligation to the state is rekindled. Citizen engagement and mobilisation is not activated in a vacuum. Government must lead the charge for citizens to follow. Transformation must begin with leaders.

    Lagos State is a microcosm of Nigeria. Every ethnic nationality is represented in the fabric of the state. The amazing story of Lagos is that while there have been ethnic skirmishes, especially at the beginning of this republic, no group has chosen to check out. This is because everyone is hopeful of making it in Lagos.

    With transformational leadership and good policies, Nigeria can also reassure all citizens that they can make it.

     

    • Follow me on twitter: @segungbadeg2002

  • A case for transformational leadership

    In 1973, James Downton, an American sociologist coined the term ‘transformational leadership’ in his book “Rebel Leadership: Commitment and Charisma in a Revolutionary Process.” Five years later, James MacGregor Burns took it steps further in his 1978 book on leadership during his expanded study of political leadership. This term is now widely used in organizational psychology as well.

    Burns described it not as a set of specific behaviours, but rather an ongoing process by which “leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of morality and motivation.” Transformational leaders therefore offer a purpose that transcends short-term goals and focuses on higher order intrinsic needs.

    Burns was one of the first scholars to assert that true leadership not only creates change and achieves goals within the environment, but changes the people involved in the necessary actions for the better as well: both followers and leaders are ennobled. He became famous among alternative leadership scholars because his model of transformational leadership included an ethical/moral dimension that – prior to 1978 – had not been infused into any leadership theory.

    Today, even the most casual observer of our country knows we’ve been having serious challenges in the area of leadership for decades because of our understanding of what leadership entails. To some of our so called leaders – both past and present – waste is part and parcel of leadership. Now that we are in an economic dire strait adjusting to current realities is proving difficult. But adjust we must, which is why I’m making a case for transformational leadership today.

    Transformational Leadership has evolved from and contains elements of preceding leadership types. There are four components of transformational leadership: Charisma or idealised influence. This is the degree to which the leader behaves in admirable ways that cause followers to identify with such leader. Charismatic leaders display convictions, take stands and appeal to followers on an emotional level. This is about the leader having a clear set of values and demonstrating them in every action thus providing a role model for their followers.

    A key component in this regard is genuine trust which must be built between leaders and followers. Trust – for both leader and follower is built on a solid moral and ethical foundation. A charismatic leader must also inspire. Inspirational motivation refers to the degree to which the leader articulates a vision that is appealing and inspiring to followers. Leaders with inspirational motivation challenge followers with high standards, communicate optimism about future goals, and provide meaning for the task at hand.

    On the other hand, followers need to have a strong sense of purpose if they are to be motivated to act. It is also important that this visionary aspect of leadership be supported by communication skills that allow the leader to articulate his or her vision with precision and power in a compelling and persuasive way.

    It is instructive to note that for a leader to be charismatic he or she must be stimulated intellectually. With this, the leader challenges assumptions, takes risks and solicits followers’ ideas. Leaders with this trait stimulate and encourage creativity in their followers. The leader’s vision provides the framework for followers to see how they connect to the leader. Once they have this big picture view and are allowed freedom from convention they can creatively overcome any obstacles in the way of the mission.

    So how does a transformational leader work? He begins with awareness – awareness of his own thoughts and feelings, and how these affect our actions, and the states of others. As our awareness grows, we begin to see our own inner motivating force, what drives us – our passions and values – and how these affect our thoughts, feelings and actions, and that of others. As we become more aware our perception increases, and we are able to choose actions that directly meet the needs of the situation and people around us.

    I’m making a case for transformational leadership because it is about leading with an integrity and authenticity mindset that resonates with others, and inspires them to follow. Not only does it inspire others to follow, but to become leaders themselves. This approach to leadership takes us from a constricting model of competition between individuals, teams or nations, to a connection with the whole of a situation, and leadership for the good of all.

    What are the characteristics of this leader of change? What is it about certain leaders that enables them to successfully lead their country or organisations through change? They are often patriots who are inspired in their heart and mind, and show it. They put the interest of their nation first and often weigh the long term implications of their actions. They are conscious of themselves, the world and the people around them without losing touch of reality.

    Fundamentally, they must have a vision and communicate it with passion and purpose. The late Lee Kwan Yew of Singapore is a classic example. He paid personal attention to others in a way that engages them and generates trust and commitment; he genuinely cared about them, what they want, and how he can serve them. It was therefore not surprising that the country rose from the status of being a third to a first world in less than three decades.

    I need to point out here that we don’t have a one size fits all scenario when discussing transformational leadership. The key word is authenticity. What works in Singapore, for instance, may not work in Nigeria. Why has the capitalist system that succeeds in other countries not succeeding in Nigeria? We tried our hands in a mixed economic system for decades and it took us nowhere. Now that the country is gradually transiting to a full blown capitalist economy, most people are resisting the change because capitalism has “no human face.”

    So what is the ‘magical ingredient’ to leading that makes it work? Anyone that has ever attempted to create anything worthwhile knows that it is often challenging. If it were easy, there would be little transformation of the person involved to create the result. It is often in the process and the journey that we ourselves transform, and that becomes the main reason why we succeed. We develop our own unique and special way of doing and being that really works, and creates the results we are looking for. Often a setback on a project can trigger a decision to do what it takes, pay the price, and get it right.

    This is what I see in most Nigerians today. We know leadership has failed us hence our optimism in Muhammadu Buhari who brought one key component you can’t buy with money to the table: Trust. Why would Nigerians endure months of fuel scarcity with stoic perseverance? Times are really tough with Nigerians stretched to their limit, but it is reassuring to have a leader who says he feels our pains. That ray of hope can keep millions going if the vision is continuously well articulated and communicated.

    Leadership plays a crucial role in the development of any society; a look at the leadership structure of a society says a whole lot about that society. Let’s take three Southern African nations as a brief case study to drive home the importance of leadership. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia all share a common thread of history; they were at a point ruled by whites with vocal and militant black opposition movements in tow. In South Africa we had the ANC, in Namibia there was the SWAPO and in Zimbabwe there was ZANU-PF. All these liberation movements later transformed into political parties after self-rule was actualised and they rule the countries to date.

    While South Africa and Namibia were able to rise above the bitterness and oppression of colonial rule and domination to make headway into the 21st century, Zimbabwe remains a basket case of monumental failure, all because of leadership. Is Muhammadu Buhari our version of transformational leader? If he is not; will he, in the end raise one? Time will tell.

     

     

  • What transformational leadership can do

    What transformational leadership can do

    Singapore just turned 50 and there is a good reason for citizen pride and for the pomp and ceremony that accompanied the celebration while it lasted. And the official celebration lasted only one day because the people cannot afford to stay away from work for more than 24 hours since they still have much to do for the growth and development of a nation and a people that have demonstrated to the world what feat a determined leadership and a loyal followership can perform.

    Fifty years ago, there was a great deal of uncertainty about the future of this city-state, having just been expelled by a unanimous vote of the Malaysian parliament from a federation of 14 states comprised of Malays, Tamils and Chinese. While the union lasted, there was no love lost between the leaders and the people that made up the alliance. For fear that Singapore’s majority Chinese was going to dominate the union, the United Malays National Organisation expelled Singapore on August 9, 1965.

    Singaporean leader, Lee Kuan Yew, was devastated. He believed in the merger of the two territories. On his account, he had dedicated an entire political career to making it work without much thought to the possibility of such a drastic measure by Malaysia. Although devastated, he didn’t succumb to fear of the unknown. As in the case of an individual, national survival instinct kicked in and innate and acquired leadership skills were summoned. The result is visible in all areas of Singapore’s national life.

    Five years ago, I visited Singapore for the first time. The experience was awesome. Trusting in her reputation for being the safest city in Asia, I roamed the streets without fear of kidnapping or encounter with armed robbers. Indeed, perfect strangers were just too willing and ready to help out when I lost my bearing. Singapore also has the reputation for having the cleanest streets and the most disciplined population, not just in the area, but compared with most parts of the world.

    The time I visited the country in August 2010 coincided with the celebration of national independence and the spirit of national pride couldn’t be more glaring. I watched the fireworks at night and I had no problem figuring out the perception of the people about their country. I informally interviewed scores of young college students all of whom attested to the fact that their country was in the right direction. They understood their responsibilities as citizens and were only too willing to discharge them for the good progress and development of their country.

    From the unanimity of Singaporeans about their love for and pride in their country, it is difficult to understand that the nation is not monolithic in terms of the multiracial origin of its people, who include Chinese, Malays and Tamils. The race riot that occurred in 1964 just before Singapore’s expulsion from Malaysia has given way to racial harmony, as they all see themselves as Singaporeans. This may have something to do with the evolution of the country and its economic and financial success.

    It is true, however, that the evolution and the success are the result of hard work and dedication of its leaders, especially the one whose identity became synonymous with the nation, Lee Kuan Yew, a transformational leader whose success has once again demonstrated that leadership matters. As he once declared, the success was not due to magic.

    Yew invested heavily in research and development. He prioritised education and had zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption. He led by example, going around the street monitoring projects and inspiring the youth. My 2010 cab driver told me that there was stiff penalty for violating the laws against littering, such as spitting chewing gum on the street grounds or defacing public building with graffiti. Of course, we are aware of the penalty for drug trafficking.

    Singapore was forced to become an independent nation five years after Nigeria voluntarily asked for and received her independence from Britain. Because of the circumstance of her coming into being, Singapore did not receive any assistance from its former ally. It had to begin from ground zero. It had to survive and its leaders had the sense to invest their integrity and knowledge into the nation’s future.

    Singapore’s leadership didn’t rip off their nation to build other countries. They refused the pleasure of the moment for the long term benefits for the nation. Today, Yew did not live to witness the appreciation of a grateful people. But wherever he is, he must be beaming with smiles beaming on the nation that he built, not just economically, but also politically, physically and socially into one of the most reckoned with nations in the world, in spite of its just being a city state.

    Of course, Singapore is not all glittering! Her democratic credentials are not in the superlative grade, combining a capitalist economic model with a quasi authoritarian political rule with the same party in power since 1965. There is suppression of public opinion and critics of government have received stiff penalties.

    It’s useful then to ask what lessons, if any, can Nigeria learn from the Singaporean experience?

    First, it is not size that matters. There are big for nothing nations, just as there are big for nothing individuals. For far too long, we have focused on population as if it is the numbers that make a great nation.

    Second, unity and national pride come with tangible national success. We fought a civil war because we wanted to keep Nigeria united. Are we united now as a country? Browse the various blogs and online comment pages for an answer. A more effective road to unity is a selfless leadership with a good understanding of what it takes to achieve national greatness and can demonstrate success in national advancement.

    Third, unlike Singaporeans, we don’t even have a unity of purpose. There is too much mistrust and misconception of motives and intentions. If this is just a followership issue, we may suggest that leadership should come to the rescue. But it is mostly at the leadership level and not for the most laudable of motives.

    Those who fear the personal loss of what they consider their entitlements are often in the vanguard of ethnic jingoism. And as it is at the national level, so it is at state and local government levels.  Within the same party and the same ethnic group, there are crises of confidence. Already, the battle for 2019 has started even with a new president just starting his term! It’s egoism run amok.

    Fourth, a strong and selfless leader with a vision will see through the cracks, rise above the fray and inspire the entire nation, young and old, men and women, of all faiths and all backgrounds, with personal example of hard work, self-discipline and transparent incorruptibility. He will not be distracted by perennial nay-sayers, or partisan critics because he has his eyes set on the prize of national advancement. He will go for the necessary restructuring of the economy and the polity, and investment in human development, as the sine qua non of transformation.

    My support for President Muhammadu Buhari is based on my understanding of his vision in view of his past service and his tenacity in the past three elections. I still have that belief in his ability to transform the nation and in his determination to make a success of his efforts. The ball is in Mr. President’s court. Singapore was not a magic. Nigeria can rise above the cloud of despair that hangs over her otherwise beautiful sunny sky.

  • Agbaje: We need transformational leaders

    Agbaje: We need transformational leaders

    Lagos politician Mr. Jimi Agbaje has called for a transformational leadership in the country, urging the elite to show more interest in governance. He urged Nigerians to learn from the triumph of Indonesia over its economic and political problems, stressing that Nigeria can survive, if its leaders imbibe discipline, moral values, patriotism, rule of law and demonstrate selflessness.

    The former governorship candidate spoke at a lecture in Lagos organised by the “January 9 Collevtive”, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the anti-fuel price hike. The lecture titled: “‘Elite, leadership and national transformation’, was chaired by the House of Representatives member, Pastor Osai Osai. The ceremony, which held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, was attended by the Olowu of Owu-Egba, Ogun State, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Alhaji Shetima Yerima, and a federal legislator, Mr. Muniru Hakeem.

    Agbaje observed that the fuel subsidy protest was not in vain, recalling that it opened a can of worms in the oil sector. He said, for the country to achieve the goals of ‘Vision 20:20:20’, it should be inhabited by well educated and healthy people who can contribute to the baking of the national cake, instead of competing for the national cake. The politician also emphasised that leaders should shun corruption and embrace the rule of law and good governance.

    Agbaje condemned the dwindling public morality, lamenting that a privileged Nigerian, who was expected to be on bail, was being guarded by the police. He said those who make much money in Nigeria are not the most hardworking people.