With Timothy, all you need to do is assign the task and say when you want it delivered. No follow-ups, no hand-holding, just the confidence that the job will be done on or before the deadline. Simple and dependable. Simon, on the other hand, though often considered more skilled, required constant supervision. If a task was due by close of business, I had to check in almost hourly to ensure progress. The work would eventually get done, yes, but at the cost of time and mental energy. While wrapping up my supply chain consulting engagement at Fredo Associates (not the real name), I recommended Timothy as the team lead for the supply chain unit backed by strong reasons. Management was surprised, as Simon appeared to have more skill. But for me, leadership is about more than skill, it’s about delivering results when they matter most. As expected, Simon wasn’t happy. He reached out with veiled accusations, saying he contributed significantly to the success of my work and that I paid hi...
A few years ago, I listened to a message by Bishop T.D. Jakes where he spoke about the high likelihood of ex-convicts returning to prison. This, he said, was largely due to the difficulty they face reintegrating into society. One major challenge is public acceptance. Many employers don’t want individuals with criminal records associated with their brand. Others fear that the ex-convict might relapse into old behaviours, potentially causing harm or bringing trouble to their organisation. While these concerns are understandable, Bishop Jakes advocated for meaningful reform during incarceration. He suggested that churches, manufacturers, and other businesses should create training programmes for inmates—equipping them with skills that will help them survive once they are released. The goal? To reduce the temptation to return to crime. A few days ago, while scrolling through social media, I came across a photo with a caption that caught my attention: President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina F...