'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

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‘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!

Born or Got (#1)

In November 2020, I started posting regular thoughts on my Facebook wall. It has been a unique and eye-opening experience. What fascinates me is the fact that these #Nuggets are there on the marble for posterity. Once you begin to engage your mind, you will discover the innate abilities you never thought existed. The mind can be likened to a well that oozes out ideas, initiatives, innovations and creativity (I³C). The gateway out of the mind can also be likened to the water tap. Freshness comes through outpouring of I³C and rather than run dry, the well enlarges in geometrical proportions.

Occasionally, I will be documenting these Nuggets on this blog. You can peruse the first “Block of Refreshing Nuggets – B.O.R.N” posted under the title “Eureka Effect” following this hyperlink - https://a-ologunleko.blogspot.com/2020/11/eureka-effect.html. Under-listed are the next BORN containing Ten (10) Nuggets also referred to as “Group of Tens - G.O.T”. Feel free to join me as I unveil these typical posts under “BORN or GOT” series henceforth. 

1. Today’s worldview doesn’t account well for giving. Living is not just between consumer and seller as it seems, it’s also between giver and recipient no matter the obscurity. The beauty is that the giver is greater and more valuable than the gift. #Nugget11

2. It’s weird but true. A moment of decision between “Off the Mic” generation and “Speak-up” generation. It has never been the order of nature that the old will bury the young. One will outlive the other. It’s only a matter of time....#Nugget12

3. You see, there is something about the Pharisees. They gave themselves waivers to attend to their animals on Sabbath days but can’t stand the sick getting healed. “Phariscious” hearts need healing. #Nugget13

4. Pause, think aright: Ponder and consider for insights before acting without which error prevails. Regrets are products of hindsight through sober reflections while Legacies are products of foresight through purposeful resilience. #Nugget14

5. Special Brand: When you show up, which BRAND do you project or represent? Invaluable, priceless or worthless? Being Relatively And Naturally Different is the B.R.A.N.D. Whoever you are and whatever you do, be uniquely pleasant. #Nugget15

6. Game changer: It seems right does not make it right. Fundamentally, memorable change occurs after genuine reset akin to “systems’ reboot”. Be a positive change agent. #Nugget16

7. Wisdom Matters: Finding wisdom is like digging for treasures buried beneath the earth. There is no school curriculum specific to wisdom yet we see clearly that "Wise Instruction Settles Difficult Odd Matters". #Nugget17

8. The real deal: Test your assumptions; verify and validate. There is nothing as obsolete as futility of “APES obey”. The reigning one is Assumption-Prototypes-Experiments-Success (APES). #Nugget18

9. From “Digitally Yours”: Digital transformation (DT) is great but it takes greater deal of vision powered by astute discipline to move from the downhill of status-quo to the uphill of industrial internet of things (IIoT). #Nugget19

10. Critical offer: In times of crisis, people yearn for hope when the voice of the leader can inspire. Hopelessness and helplessness are unwarranted plagues that shouldn’t befall an individual or a society. Give hope, help someone! #Nugget20

Critical Questioning

An open mind does not adjudge any question as stupid. Does every question need an answer? The answer is outright "No". Does every question have an answer? Think for a moment. In my opinion, the answer is "Yes". Why? Every question - as a matter of fact must - have the right or wrong answers. The fact that a question is not answerable does not obliterate the fact that there is an answer. If we dig well enough following the right approach, we will definitely find the right answer.

There are simple questions that rather than elicit corresponding answers generate beefs founded on prejudices. Take for instance questions like, “Why does “white” Americans call Cops on “black” Americans?” and “What’s the difference between Nigeria and Niger? or “What will you do next, if patience and goodluck failed you?”. Let me take the last question for example. Politically inclined or adherents of APC or PDP (the dominant political parties in Nigeria) could erroneously relate the question to our former President and First Lady who left office in 2011 respectively. Just imagine what you could get in response to an innocent question begging for a sincere answer?

The act of questioning is one that every successful leaders have mastered with grits and guts. You can’t be a persistent/adept problem solver or change agent without being skillful at questioning? The importance of this skill is well crafted in a quote credited to Albert Einstein that says: “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”? This is highly instructive!

'Critical Questioning' belongs to the uncommon tripod or trinity of leadership's critical acts or traits. Others are 'Critical Reasoning' and 'Critical Thinking'. These demanding acts cannot be honed by lazy minds. The good news is that they can be learnt. Aside dedication and informed focus, you apparently need enduring patience to enable you make your own good-luck. Learn the habit of not giving up easily at questioning. Pay attention to successes and failures for continuous improvement. The fact that you can’t answer that question now 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! I wish you Good-luck!!

Special Brand

Hello World! That’s supposed to be the first cry of a new born baby. Contrarily, the process begins with a bitter cry that elicits a better feeling for the parents, health officials and others. That first cry is golden! It is one that assures everyone that a sound, healthy and unique “new life” is birthed. According to J. D Vinge, “We are all born with a unique genetic blueprint, which lays out the basic characteristics of our personality as well as our physical health and appearance... And yet, we all know that life experiences do change us”. At every stage in human’s growth and development cycle, there is the need to consciously re-birth or refresh “the unique you” for greater exploits.

We have seen how corporate organizations invest heavily on branding to attract huge patronage, gain considerable market share and gain competitive edge. In addition to this, successful companies offer special employee value propositions to attract, manage and keep unique talents. This is very important because of the “known secret” that no society or organization can excel beyond the quality of its people. One of the ways to improve people quality is through individual identity branding. “Personal branding is the conscious and intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual by positioning them as an authority in their industry, elevating their credibility, and differentiating themselves from the competition, to ultimately advance their career, increase their circle of influence, and have a larger impact”[Wikipedia].

Personal branding (PB) entails self-discovery towards carving a niche for yourself in certain areas of influence. It involves “finding your uniqueness, building a reputation on the things you want to be known for, and then allowing yourself to be known for them. Ultimately, the goal is to create something that conveys a message and that can be monetized”[Wikipedia]. Perhaps your greatest motivation at PB is the direct connection with building leadership capabilities. Unless you can lead yourself (the foundation of which is self-awareness), you can’t lead others. The uniqueness of successful leaders is in their brand. 

Do you know that you are a special brand? You can’t afford to leave your success to chances. It takes deliberate efforts and consistency to succeed in any life’s endeavor. The good news as well is that you can ignite the consciousness at any phase of life. It is never too late to define your brand. When you show up, which BRAND do you project or represent? Invaluable, priceless or worthless? Being Relatively And Naturally Different is the B.R.A.N.D. Whoever you are and whatever you do, be uniquely pleasant.

Addendum: you can follow my last post “Eureka Effect” here - http://a-ologunleko.blogspot.com/2020/11/eureka-effect.html