Got Born - #3

Welcome to this "G.O.T B.O.R.N" series which is unique in all its ramifications. Traditionally, the series evolved from compilation of original quotes shared with 'friends' on my 'facebook wall' until ten posts are reached. However, I lost my mentor, guardian, spiritual father and a confidant in PPE* Samuel Babatope Adejuyigbe recently which affected my outing on facebook in the last couple of days. 

In his honour, listed below are 5th in the series of "Group of Ten - G.O.T" - "Block of Refreshing Nuggets - B.O.R.N" inspired by notable leaders who influenced me through observation or inference drawn from their messages or feedback. Their names are hidden in their initials provided at the end of each quote (e.g. #Nugget 11, [AO] = Amos Ologunleko).

Are you able to identify at least three (3) of them? If yes, leave comments/feedback using appropriate form on this blog below - Many Thanks!

41. Process safety journey is like riding uphill, you can't afford to take your feet off the pedal - #Nugget 41 [CI]

42. Feedback is a gift that we must embrace with open arms and appreciate with open minds - #Nugget 42 [BO]

43. Set your year around 'three big rocks' and deliver with utmost precision - #Nugget 43 [TA]

44. Leaders develop leaders after their kinds whilst empowering them to unleash their potentials - #Nugget 44 [LF]

45. Whatever you do, remember Diversity & Inclusiveness (D&I) as a winning strategy - #Nugget 45 [SM]

46. Whatsoever interests my leader should excite me and if it must be, it is up to me - #Nugget 46 [TO]

47. Build your life around system that works - #Nugget 47 [GL]

48. Love founded on faith and creative thinking is enduring - #Nugget 48 [OO]

49. Behind 'winning concept' is the pen that speaks wisdom - #Nugget 49 [GK]

50. Favour 'towers' above labour so shall this week favour me - #Nugget 50 [KA]

*PPE - Pastor, Professor & Engineer.

TransFORMation Journey #3

First, there is ‘the form’ and perhaps you may need to refer to earlier series #1* and #2** to enable you follow the drift. Without information about the initial form and other possibilities there can never be transformation. Instructively, the period beginning in the 70s is specifically referred to as “Information Age” for astute reasons. This era ushered in innovative and astounding technological transformation. The next era is pregnant with astronomical progress and magical touch in its appeal.

Therefore, we will be looking at the essential role that ‘inFORMation’ plays in transformation journey in this series. “Information is power”, so the famous quote says but that only holds sway when we master the act and art of putting it into good effect. George Clinton summed it up when he said that “whoever controls the flow of information dictates our perceptions and perspectives; whoever shapes the news shapes our destiny”.

The rationale for 'transFORMation' is summed up in the acronym E.A.R.N which stands for Education, Attention, Revenue and Nurturing. One common denominator having utmost relevance and significant impact across each theme is information. Undeniably, quality information is crucial for decision making at all levels in a business entity to facilitate effective and efficient operation. For example - of commerce and industry - Cherryh C. J says. “trade isn’t about goods. Trade is about information. Goods sit in the warehouse until information moves them”.

Transformation is about change. Change is human centric. Human elements are motivated by compelling story telling. It is the reason we love to be on the winning side rather than the loosing side. On the winning side, the history is not only sweet but rewarding. “Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan” that’s why most people seek to be associated with success. It is then the burden of leadership to take responsibility for success or failure in change management. If you must lead well, you must be prepared never to pass the buck but to take ownership and accountability.

#1* - http://a-ologunleko.blogspot.com/2021/02/transformation-journey-1.html

#2** - http://a-ologunleko.blogspot.com/2021/02/transformation-journey-2.html

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Age#/media/File:LongWavesThreeParadigms.jpg

Got Born - #2

The nuggets compiled here-in are 4th in the series of "Group of Ten - G.O.T" - "Block of Refreshing Nuggets - B.O.R.N". Hope you are touched or inspired by at least one of them. Have a great day!

31. Nothing is hidden – It’s a secret until it’s known by someone credited with discovery, uncovering or undercovering. #Nugget31

32. Legacy never dies. I have learnt so much from Dr Myles Munro and Ubong King than when they were here. There is more to life than death. #Nugget32

33. The problem or solution is not what you think but how you think. Anyone who rejoices at others’ downfall need serious help. #Nugget33

34. When simple problem becomes intractable, check the quality of ‘leader-ship’ and ‘follower-ship’. Truth be told, the quality of ‘leader-ship’ becomes the quality of life ultimately. #Nugget34

35. Light-up Nigeria: Shall we see darkness fully eradicated from the land despite change from NEPA to PHCN unbundling (DISCOs and GENCOs) in this generation? Unless there is a change of heart and purpose driven actions, “scratching the surface” is fruitless. #Nugget35

36. As ‘face-lift’ is to an object whose condition or form has deteriorated so is ‘heart-lift’ to a soul in distress. It is never too late to crave for a lift to the height you are meant to attain. #Nugget36

37. Ignite Solutions: The folly of wishing problems away rather than addressing their root causes decisively is evident in chaos and bitter regrets. #Nugget37

38. “There is nothing new in this material world. Matter is all that matters. It takes the operation of a dynamic force or creative force to change something from one form to another”. #Nugget38

39. From “Thinking Forward” – “Think, don’t sink! There is power in thoughtfulness. Every advancement in life can be said to be a product of thoughtful actions”. #Nugget39

40. From “Nothing is Silent” – “Silence is golden, but silence speaks as well. Those little children silently neglected have grown up in their prime “as pains in our necks””. #Nugget40

'TransFORMation' Journey - #2

In the previous post focused on Formation*, I touched on the fact that nature is dormant but that is only figuratively. Matter left unattended to will deteriorate over time. A lake will degrade per time and the discoloration plus smelly odor are symptomatic of material decay. One can be as useful as a tissue paper or as useless as a decayed root of a lifeless plant, life goes on irrespective. However, nothing compares to being useful, impactful and inspiring. Man can produce fine features because he or she have capacity to manage or moderate inter-play of internal and external forces for common good. In this write-up, we shall focus on Deformity and internal Deformation process.

Arguably, a perfect world is an imperfect expectation. Intrinsic in nature are traces of imperfection in different shades, shapes, or forms. Perhaps a good analogy is the presence of defects in metals or crystals such as point or linear defects. The most fascinating for me in undergraduate days was "interstitial impurity atoms". In material science, deformation is the change in form or shape due to an applied force. When reversible, it is called elastic deformation otherwise it is called plastic deformation. Deformation may either be good or bad – it depends. Put to good use, industrial/manufacturing process includes deformation process to transform solid materials from initial form into esteemed final products with desired geometry and within acceptable tolerances. The value added is worth what customers are willing to pay to acquire the product.

There are many other instances where deformities are more pronounced and controversial. For example, living beings could be disfigured as a result of genetic condition, accidents, willful acts or unhealthy lifestyle. In a nutshell, things that “seems not so good” happens to us sometimes. Call it defects, disability or degradation all comes under deformity. Despite being physically challenged, folks like Nick Vujicic - who was my inspiration for deeper understanding of “internal deformation process” -, Ibrahim Hamadtou (outstanding table tennis player without arms) and Tony Melendez (incredible guitarist born without arms) and others too numerous to mention have validated man’s ability to defy impossibilities.  These are men who through internal deformation process have turned their disabilities into ingenious abilities on a global stage. They have become role models of impossible possibilities.

We function in teams whether formally or informally. Therefore, the greatest undoing in a team after formation is allowing deformity to set in. Deformity in this context occur when at least one member of the team is disengaged. Leaders will do well to learn and hone techniques of identifying disengaged personnel and re-engineering them through internal deformation process that turns them around for success. Realizing that each member of the team has unique attributes and something to offer helps the leader foster cohesion, harmony and dedicated focus where engagement ratio tends to 1:1 (approx..). This is a tall order and arguably, the most important call of Leadership.

* #1 - http://a-ologunleko.blogspot.com/2021/02/transformation-journey-1.html

https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-open-red-can-used-white-background-image40703788

‘TransFORMation’ Journey - #1

Few years ago, I sat back to dig into the subject of transformation and what I learnt will be shared in snippets in this series. Everything starts from form. For a living thing, it’s the ‘seed’. It is then not surprising that the stage when character is being formed is referred to as “formative stage”. Literarily, form can be defined as shape, visual appearance or configuration of an object. It could also depict the essence of something or the mode in which it exists. From genetic transformation to business transformation or digital transformation to mention but few, “form” is at the core.

Knowledge is progressive but principles are timeless, changeless and unforgiven when flouted. Being time tested, the interesting fact about principles is that ignorance is not an excuse. Everything we are or know in the universe are compendiums of energy and associated attributes such as frequencies and vibrations. There are two fundamental laws of reference here - the Newton’s First Law of Motion and the First Law of Thermodynamics. Together, they explained the rationale of a physical entity remaining in a state perpetually until it is converted from one form to other form(s).

Armed with the knowledge about “forms of energy”, our capacities and capabilities to envision and deliver wonders are limitless. There is nothing new in this material world. Matter is all that matters. It takes the operation of a dynamic force or creative force to change something from one form to another. The most important element in the creative lifecycle is the incipient form of the entity and the second is the capacity of an external entity or process to change its state. We are incapable of creating something out of nothing. Raw material would always be necessary and so are agents of energy "transitions" from one form to another.

It is the interplay of nature and nurture that help shape our development as individuals and our outlook towards sustainable environment. Nurturing is where leadership is crucial. Nature by itself is dormant. It is noteworthy that whereas the initial form of a thing or organization may be good, whether it turns out better or worse depends on who is leading the way. A leader is a model of character and moral values. If you leave a place better than you met it as a matter of principle, then you are building your “good role model muscle”. In summary, the process of “changing for the better” starts with initial form and ends in good formation with the right leadership in place. 

Got Born - #1

It's funny how names or titles evolve. From "Eureka Effect" [https://a-ologunleko.blogspot.com/2020/11/eureka-effect.html] to "Born or Got" [http://a-ologunleko.blogspot.com/2020/12/born-or-got-1.html] and now "Got Born", the convention is about continuous improvement. The nuggets compiled here-in are the 3rd in the series of “Group of Ten - G.O.T” - “Block of Refreshing Nuggets – B.O.R.N”.

1. Truthfully controversial: God will not change a people who are set in their own ways unless they change unto Him. Sustainable change starts from within rather than without. #Nugget21

2. Critical questioning: The fact that you can't answer that question doesn't mean you should give up on finding the answer. We advance in leaps and bounds when enlightened in our dark areas. Never give up! #Nugget22

3. Garbage in, Garbage out: Feed your mind with nourishing thoughts and guard your heart against frivolous and unprofitable external stimulus. This is the era of choice between good and evil. Choose and maintain your lane. #Nugget23

4. Consciously aware: Words can be mathematically nuanced with either artistic or empirical deduction. For example, "Misuse, Abuse and Disuse" + "Not Effectively Salvaging Situations" = M.A.D.N.E.S.S #Nugget24

5. Music and passion for Christ: Beyond tribes, clans, ethnicity, race, colour or creed, Music reigns. From a poem in 1843 - "Minuit Chretiens" - by Placide Cappeau, to Adolph Adam's adaptation to music and John Dwight's translation to English, the song "O Holy Night" remains enduring. Covet enduring legacies....Merry Christmas! #Nugget25

6. Worthy or not? - Earning trust is hard work. He or she misses the point who craves for trust without integrity. Trust is bestowed on the trustworthy. #Nugget26

7. Failing Forward: Gleaned seven (7) lessons from J.C Maxwell. Reject rejection, Don't point fingers, See failure as temporary, Set realistic expectations, Focus on strengths, Vary approaches to accomplishment and Bounce Back. #Nugget27

8. What a year? - We wiggled through the theatrics and tantrums of 2020 triumphantly. Despite toils and sweats, sour and sweet moments, we travailed. We hereby await the brand new 2021 with bright hope. Happy New Year! #Nugget28

9. It's a brand new year. Please be nicely kind in personality and Keep Investing in New Discoveries (K.I.N.D). #Nugget29

10. From "Be Kind" - Humility is the hallmark of greatness. It is the blank slate upon which the chalk of kindness thrives. Where kindness rules, the people rejoice. #Nugget30

 

Be Kind

The end of a year ushers-in the new one. We wiggled through the theatrics and tantrums of 2020 triumphantly. Despite its toils and sweats, sour and sweet moments and ups and downs, we travailed. We have now crossed over into the brand new 2021 with much bright hope. It is my utmost desire that the new year meets our aspirations, our efforts graced with divine favour and deliveries crowned with kindness. Kindness, in particular, is an act of being generous, friendly and considerate. It is putting yourself in other people’s shoes while responding to their acts of omission or commission.

Among others, 2020 taught us that there are notable differences between genuine wisdom, common sense and good luck. We have also learnt that we can greet one another respectfully without handshakes or warm embrace. Another lesson is that we can do without vacations, travels and usual hustle and bustle of our days. Inadvertently, we have learnt that we can be globally locked-down and that should truly teach us humility.

 

Humility is the hallmark of greatness. It is the blank slate upon which the chalk of kindness thrives. Where kindness rules, the people rejoice. There is the T.E.N commandment (widely opposed to the mosaic law) that stifles unity and progress. Tribalism, Ethnicity and Nepotism (T.E.N) does more harm than good. Please avoid them with all your zeal and zest. On folly of apartheid, Nelson Mandela had this to say - “We do not care whether a cat is white or black as long as it can catch mice”. 

 

As we begin the new year, let’s learn to relate with people as humans with sacred blood in their veins. Let’s treat others with irrevocable respect. The bigger lesson for me in 2020 was seeing developed nations lose more souls to COVID-19 than under-developed ones despite advances in technology and medical science. It is indeed true that “foolish things of the world can confound the wise”. It's a brand new year. Please be nicely kind in personality and Keep Investing in New Discoveries (K.I.N.D). Happy New Year!