“This mandate that I seek is about continuity and sustainability against disruption and stagnation, about moving forward versus regressing. We have to safeguard what we have already achieved. We cannot put at risk what we have; we cannot gamble away our future”, Anon (2014) For the best governance practices, each business or organization must have a Board of Directors. There are two types of directors –executive directors (company employees with a seat on the board, e.g. managing director) and non-executive directors (non-employees or business associates of the company appointed on the board as independents). MUST-READ: Now available on Amazon: 7…
An act of kindness or a missed opportunity to lead
A story of a benevolent Nigerian is making rounds on the Internet. Following increasing high levels of violence against Africans living in South Africa by black South Africans, a rich Nigerian, invested over Nairas 280,000,000 (or US $772,413) to airlift fellow Nigerians still stuck in South Africa and exposed to attacks. Much as this act is timely and well-intended, we could be missing a point. As many others have explained, what is happening in South Africa is an indicator of society at crossroads. There is misinformation and to some extent, lack of leadership to address the rifts and economic gaps…
From WhatsApp: It’s so hard to scroll past this
This is a post I received on my WhatsApp. I thought you would love it. It made me laugh, I hope you too will. A group of husbands gathered at a conference on “How to live in a loving relationship with your wife”. They were asked: “How many of you love your wives?” All raised their hands. Then they were asked, “When was the last time you told your wife you loved her ?” Some men answered: “Today”, some: “yesterday”, The majority didn’t remember. The men were then told to take their cell phones and send the following text to…
Now available on Amazon: 7 tools of an effective board member
Whether you are a board member or an aspiring one, you will find practical insights to transform your leadership and become a great director. This book is filled with the author’s experiences on different boards as well as a trainer of boards. It is a must-read. In part 1, find what it takes to land a board appointment. And once on the board, the 7 sins to avoid that compromise your independence and effectiveness as a board member. You will also learn insights on how to avoid the sins. In part 2, find the 7 tools of an effective board…
What makes a fantastic board member?
Are you a board member or an aspiring one? You have been appointed on the board. What exactly is your role? How will your impact be measured? What are your do’s and don’ts as a board member? A board appointment attracts a long appointment letter with several generalities. To be a fantastic board member, you must master the tools of an effective board member and behave in a different way. You must answer the following questions: How do I add value to the business to stay informed about all emerging risks and new developments without interfering in the day to…
Tool 54 of 104 is to learn so as to be empowered
“‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it?- Luke 14:28” What is your early childhood experience that has influenced your work ethic and values? If you are a regular reader of this column, you already know that I was greatly influenced by mom and my Grandpa, Mzee Atanansi Komunjara, a staunch Catholic who even had a dedicated seat in our village church. He was so regular and an early riser that he always sat on the same spot…
