LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE AND COVID 19 AS COMMON DENOMINATOR (2020 Reloaded). | OJASOPE

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE AND COVID 19 AS COMMON DENOMINATOR (Reloaded). | By Rotimi Johnson

Let me start by quoting Author Steven V. Thulon; “Conflict builds character. Crisis defines it". So, Covid 19, the non living, timid virus defines leaders. Corona Virus is not only novel, it has remained trending for the past 4 months, terrorizing many families in most nations of the world; it has changed our routines, appearances and our social lives. Interestingly, no one knows for how long thie shall be but more interesting is the fact that it's as if Covid 19 killed other life threatening diseases all over the world because death from Covid 19 is the only one in news recently. 

Leaders all over the world are experiencing a common defining moment or denominator and it doesn't matter whether you're a religious, political or traditional leader, this Virus has thrown up a new challenge that will differentiate great leaders from mere leaders and off course separate rulers from true leaders. 

Many religious leaders that have built their existence around their congregations had difficulties in adapting to the new realities of no physical congregating; swift in adapting and getting the congregation to follow suit is an attestation to great leadership. We are aware of those who resisted the changes and denied the existence of Covid 19; it doesn't make them less spiritual but they are not good leaders. 

In the Academia, many innovations greeted the realities of Covid 19 and many things that were not common in Nigeria have being introduced; Television classes, live online lectures, conferences  and tutorials online. There have been mobile applications that have come to the rescue too; Zoom, Microsoft Teams. Many academic institutions are coming up with online activities while the Covid 19 lockdown continues. The innovation and promptness say a lot about the leadership of the institutions.

The main focus of this write up is about public/political leadership and how Covid 19 is a leveler, irrespective of race and development; Corona Virus will definitely determine who will be popular in the post-Covid era and those who will be notorious. Though any assessment now is just midterm assessment but at the end, we shall judge based on resources available, opportunities around, rate of death and sustainance of the people in the given period. 

One thing I celebrate now is introspective approach to solving this pandemic and the first is Cuba. The Cubans have local solutions and are not particular about world health journals. I can't remember the last time I read or heard anything about Madagascar but that Nation has risen very well to the challenge of curbing the spread and curing the Virus. Senegal invented local testing apparatuses that have made her to stay ahead of the virus. Covid 19 is a war situation and the survival of sovereign nations should be paramount. 

One thing is sacrosanct, good health facilities doesn't translate to healthy nation because Covid 19 deaths have been attributed largely to underlining sicknesses in the patients; so many nations with great health facilities have crumbled under the pressure of Corona. So it is pertinent to assume that Covid pattern in each environment is different based on some other factors. However, one thing that can have grave implications is copying other's approaches without adapting such to local realities.

I found the invitation of Chinese Doctors to Nigeria to fight Covid 19 nauseating because the Director General of NCDC was sent to China in early February to study about the Virus and I think we have done so well until the arrival of these Chinese. Also, with the clinical trial of Chloroquine, the fact that we have so many recoveries should have made us look inwards and proffer a lasting local solution. For instance, if FG announces N10b for herbal researches for Covid 19 cures, I am very positive we will have more than 100 mixtures submitted within 48hrs and these can be subjected to clinical trials, rather than going cap in hands for grants and loans that will be embezzled at the end of the day. 

The management of human and material resources in this time of pandemic will definitely place some leaders ahead of their contemporaries; those of us on the sidelines and spectator seats can shout and make noise but those leaders on the hot seats are the real ones under pressure; they are the real generals on the battlefields, we are at home, just talking about the occasional missile drops in the cities. 

People might condemn the particular leader now but after the whole lockdown, we shall see how the local economy has faired, the death rate and the curbing of the spread in the area under him as the common denominator of the leadership. I love the CNN documentary that claims nations with female leaders have done better in managing this crisis but at the end, we shall be able to ascertain this. 

Great leaders keep talking about researches in their speeches and I give that to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; he keeps talking about local remedies to curing Covid 19 and local economy realities and people's orientation in determining lockdown in each state. Yes, at the end of the era, we shall be able to ascertain his grade but something is sacrosanct and it's the fact that if complete lockdown has produced good results in Nigeria, many state Governors would have copied it. 

Leadership is not about taking people to where they "want" to go but moving them from where they are to where they "need" to be and this often comes with a price. This is not a good time to envy political leaders because they are under immense pressures and it's a general defining moment to all; imagine Trump under pressure of hasty solution suggested ingestion of disinfectant and a Nigerian Governor who claims there's an App to detect who is Covid 19 positive? People respond to these great pressures differently and some leaders will be more concerned about their political posterity and financial aggrandizement than the health of their subjects.

According to Abraham Lincoln, “You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.” The unfortunate thing is that Nigeria has not been looking inward to seize opportunities for growth, we always look for aids and interventions from outside, as if they can love us more than they love themselves, when we have refused to do our own growing. 

Rotimi Johnson Ojasope

ANIPR, Fellow-IPDCRM.

JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, EQUITY INEVITABLE FOR A UNITED NIGERIA. | SENATOR KOLA BALOGUN

For Nigeria to remain a united entity and attain its potential there must be justice, fairness and equity through fiscal federalism, devolution of power, resource control among others.

This was the submission of the senator for Oyo South senatorial district, Senator Kola Balogun while fielding questions from journalists in a radio interview programme monitored in Ibadan.

Senator Balogun averred that Nigeria is a viable country which has the critical elements of strength of nationhood such as population, landmass, resources and military might, adding that restructuring the country for proper management of the nation's diversity would bring change to the present state of affairs which had left most  Nigerians in a state of frustration and confusion .

The lawmaker observed that the reality of the 2023 general election is premised on an atmosphere of peace and tranquility while noting that the senate is playing its part to ensure that the country overcomes its present security challenge and working assiduously to amend the electoral act before 2023 in order to tidy up the electoral process and give Nigerians a free, fair and credible election.

While expressing confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Army to protect the nation's territorial integrity, the lawmaker recommended that the army should be strengthened for better performance by being well equipped, well trained and motivated, he is however doubtful of the ability of the Nigerian Police as it is presently constituted with less than 200,000 personnel to effectively police about 300 

million Nigerians.

He therefore advocated the decentralisation of the Nigeria Police into state and community police which he believes would go a long way in  bringing lasting solution to the issue of insecurity in the country.

Senator Balogun who frowned on the alleged printing of money by the Federal Government, maintained that it is not the best way to go given the resultant high inflationary trend.

Speaking on Isa Pantami's connection with Al-Qaeda, he said Nigerians are the employers of public office holders and have the right to demand the sack of anyone of them found wanting, stressing that in view of the monstrous security challenge facing the country, the public outcry against his continued retention in government by Nigerians and the infiltration of the rank and file of the army which he is privileged to know as a member of the Senate committee on army , government ought to  have relieved him of his ministerial position if he didn't have the civility to resign.

He commended the South West governors for their principled stand on Amotekun, maintaining that the security situation could have been worse in the area without the security outfit.

Reacting to the state government's plan to convert the staff quarters of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State to a residential estate, he said even though he didn't have the facts about the issue, he was convinced that the pro-people Seyi Makinde-led government would not do anything which is not in the best interest of the people. 

He said Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has not only brought to governance what was hitherto missing, he has been able to do many things which his predecessor couldn't  do such as regular payment of salary and pension as well as the reduction of corruption and blockage of leakages in government coffers.

He listed the bills he had sponsored on the floor of the Senate to include: Bill for an Act to amend the Health Act 2014, Bill to upgrade Ibadan airport to international standard, Bill for an Act to amend the EFCC Act among others

His other achievements include  facilitation of vocational trainings on agriculture, film making as well as different categories of grants and survival funds for the jobless, artisans and traders, the latest being 1,000 traders drawn from almost all major markets in his district.

Others include installation of transformers in 12 communities, provision of boreholes in 3 communities, installation of solar street light in other areas, provision of dedicated power line to the University of Ibadan while that of UCH is underway, construction of BCJ road in Ibadan and Odo Ona road in Ibarapa aside from the community social responsibility to hundreds of members of the senatorial district who regularly throng his residence.

BIGGER PLANES CAN NOW FLY IBADAN AIRPORT ROUTE. | SENATOR KOLA BALOGUN

The Senator representing Oyo South District, Dr Mohammed Kola Balogun has assured his constituents and people of Oyo State that Ibadan Airport will resume bigger planes on it's route due to the recent upgrade of the Airport Aerodrome Firefighting assessment. 

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Senator, the airport was downgraded early 2020 because one of the two firefighting trucks broke down. The Airport which was on grade 6 was consequently rated as 5, therefore bigger planes that were plying the route were forbidden from doing so.

This has brought untold hardship to the passengers on Ibadan route because only Overland fleet were plying the route, which made the demands and pressure too much and led to the exhorbitant fares for Ibadan route. Many thanks to the Executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr Seyi Makinde who bought the brand new specified firefighting truck for the Airport in March this year.

According to Senator Kola Balogun; "the follow up since March when I knew our Governor has bought firefighting truck for the station only yielded result after a visit to the NCAA Director General on Tuesday 19th April, which prompted another assessment conducted on the facility on April 21st and upgrade approval letter issued on Thursday April 22nd, 2021".

The Airport Manager, Mrs Aiyenuro Tega confirmed the new status with appreciation to the Governor for the new firefighting truck and Senator Kola Balogun for the good follow up because the Airport now has 3 serviceable fire fighting trucks because the bad one too has been fixed. This implies that Airlines like Aero Contractors, Dana which have bigger planes can now resume flights to and from Ibadan Airport. 

Signed

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

Special Adviser, Media

PATANMI AND THE CALAMITOUS NIGERIAN PRESIDENCY | Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

I know you would have seen the comic interhouse Sports video where the commentator describes the boy running fastly backwards after receiving the relay baton as Buhari. It was seriocomic because as funny as it was, it still passed across the message of what we are experiencing in Nigeria now.

I resigned from writing about FG or Buhari since late last year, decided to only make comments in comic way but after reading the nonsense Mallam Garba Shehu wrote as official position of the Presidency on the issue of Patanmi, I knew and concluded that this is the worst presidency in the history of Nigeria, worse than the worst Military government of no stewardship. No wonder we have recorded the highest level of calamities as a nation in this administration alone.

There is place of solidarity and there is place for accountability. Perception is also very important and we must all live above the board if in public service. That someone made deadly utterances as a youth and we can't find any statement in the public space showing that he rescinded his earlier comments before he became a public officer, then it is a big scam and stupid defense to claim he renounced his earlier positions. Moreover, he must be bereaved of integrity not to have resigned or his deadly mission as Minister will suffer major setback if he quits now.

 

When we have a grossly irresponsible and inept administration like this, national progress and development is subordinated to tribal and religious solidarity like we have now in Nigeria; a situation where all the Service chiefs are from one region and the highest level of insecurity in the country is from same region without any solution in sight. A situation where the national government has been turned to Northerner Government of Nigeria and we now have the highest level of agitation for secession during this pathetic ineptness of an administration.

The likes of Garba Shehu are tribal Spokesperson and he can't reason beyond parochial threshold. That PATANMI is doing well as minister for Communication is the same reason we would suspect he is frustrating the technological advancement needed to conquer insurgency and Boko Haram. This administration doesn't know what governance and national leadership is and I pity those who think power can shift to other part of the country easily.

However, who will blame Patanmi for his previous violence and terrorism utterances when even the President of Nigeria has made such calamitous statements and still became the President of the greatest African Nation. It is a crime for a non-Fulani to make inciting statements but a Fulani can bring down the whole Nation, even in violence; beyond utterances and there would be no consequences. 

That some telecommunications companies want Patanmi out of office is extraneous; they didn't put words in his mouth over two decades ago and they didn't erase any public comments he made to renounce his earlier stands before he became a Minister of the Federal Republic. Covering up for this kind of national shame is one of the major reasons all the Service Chiefs are from same region where the atrocities are fettering. One wonders why all the screening by the security agencies did not indict Patanmi or it was the Presidency and gave him waiver 

There are more than enough symptoms that Nigeria as an entity has expired in the hand of President Buhari and this undoing can not be recircled or revived because it is far beyond their capacity and they are too saucy and petulant to listen to any good counsel that can save the nation from this imminent calamities championed by the President's men.

I stopped praying for one united Nigeria until I see a Presidency that is truly desirous of peace and unity in Nigeria.

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE O5; NO PERFECT LEADER, NO USELESS FOLLOWER | Hon Ojasope

A few days ago, my younger sister responded to a post on a WhatsApp group and it gave a deeper insight into the subject from a different perspective. It was the story about uselessness of Zero and mediocrity of figure one.

 Hmmmmm! That motivated me to write on this topic because it is related. We must rise above the mistake of assuming a leader is perfect or a particular follower is useless. Sincerely, I have made the mistakes before until I caught the revelation that no leader is perfect.

If you know me well, you must know how much I love President Bill Clinton; I was transported by his oratory skills and his effective use of non-verbal communication too, so the Monica Lewinsky's case was a terrible blow to me then. How can the most influential man on earth be so weak? I hated Monica just like I hated Delilah from my Children Sunday school days. It was in the sadness of Clinton's flaws that I caught the revelation that no leader is perfect. Then about 20 years ago, my Pastor was to change his power supply phase and he was fidgety, I just started laughing silently that so he could be scared of something so simple. I love and respect him so much that I never felt he was capable of exhibiting any "common" weaknesses.

If you think your leader is perfect, it is because you are not close enough, if you think your follower is completely useless, it is because you are not inspiring enough. We are all still work in progress, no one is perfect but we are all on different levels of perfection. I am not comfortable with leaders who portray themselves as being perfect and so I try not to portray myself as being perfect to my children or followers. My children will tease me about what they know as my weakness and I joke often with my followers about what quality I need but I have not acquired. However, I also make them see how I am trying to improve on the weakness. For instance, I am an early sleeper and when they talk about late nights meetings, they ask me what planet I was at that hour. However, they know I am a very early riser too and you hear they talk about how they wish they can rise that early. Meanwhile, they know I now keep late nights too because there are often demands for it lately, not because I enjoy it. I am very far from being perfect. 

In 1996, Pastor Tunde Bakare came back from England and shared something in his sermon on Sunday: the lady that was serving as the Church clerk resigned but when Pastor Bakare got to London, he found her play drumsets at a major concert. He felt bad that a multitalented lady like that was relegated to serving tea and water under him. He felt he didn't discover her like a good leader should have done. So, I discovered that if you feel your follower is so useless, then you are so uninspiring too. Look out for the best in your follower; it is not wrong to help them discover themselves. I push my followers, I give them tasks that encourages self discovery and accomplishments. I have also discovered that this helps the leader-followers bond because of the mutual progressions in leadership.

Recently, some people ganged against one of my followers because they said once he becomes elected, he will also become a leader. I feel that is absurd; must he remain a follower forever? I would have been surprised if he doesn't become a leader after following me for so long. I know many leaders in Nigeria politics want their followers to remain followers forever but that is mediocrity in leadership; it is because you have stopped growing as a leader that you want your followers to remain stagnant. I am growing so I am not intimidated by anyone becoming something because I have not gotten to my final destination too; we are all co-travellers, going to different destinations.

No perfect leader, no useless follower; it depends on engagement and tasks given.

Followers celebrate leaders who develop their capacity to be leaders and maximize potentials, something they could not have accomplished on their own. However, a leader who takes pleasure from followers evolving as leaders will eventually suffer the grievous consequence of standing alone without followers because no reasonable be follower wants to remain a follower forever. 

The same way parents want their children to be greater than them, leaders should develop other leaders from among their followers who will not make same mistakes they did and become better leaders eventually.

In all my studies of leadership, I have discovered there has never been and there can never be a perfect leader on earth; only the ones who are able to develop other leaders that are great leaders because they have been able to reproduce leaders with equal capacity or even better ones. As a matter of fact, the more you try to portray yourself as perfect, the more critical people become of your conducts. 

LEADERSHIP QUOTE: . “The best leaders have a high Consideration Factor. They really care about their people”  - Brian Tracy

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

SENATE SET TO PROBE RECENT CUSTOMS' INVASION OF BODIJA MARKET. | SENATOR KOLA BALOGUN

SENATE SHALL PROBE RECENT CUSTOMS' INVASION OF BODIJA MARKET. | SEN KOLA BALOGUN

The Senator representing Oyo South District Dr Mohammed Kola Balogun has assured his constituents that the wrongful invasion by the men of the Customs has gotten the attention of the Senate and the appropriate Committee has been asked to investigate the invasion.

According to the press release by the Special Adviser on Media, the Senate, on Tuesday, mandated the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions headed by Senator Ayo Akinselure to investigate the alleged invasion of Rice Traders’ shops by men of the Nigerian Customs that resulted in the carting away of goods to the tune of N85 million naira. This was in response to receipt of a petition from the Ibadan Foodstuff Sellers Association addressed to the Senate President through Senator Kola Balogun representing Oyo South Senatorial District.

If you can remember, Senator Kola Balogun promised to move the Senate to stop such illegalities when he was asked on a live radio interview about his opinion of such Custom invasion of the popular market.

The Ibadan Foodstuff Sellers Association, in the petition said; “the unfortunate night invasion of the Bodija International Market, Ibadan and the forceful breakage of the Rice traders’ shops by men of the Nigerian Customs, Ikeja Unit, Lagos on 31st March through 1st April, 2021. Our shops and warehouses were forcefully opened in our absence and the following items were carted away: 3,046 bags of Rice at N26,000 per bag – N79,196,000; 14 (Nos) 25kg Vegetable Oil; Cash of N4,862,000.00; and One (Nos) 15kg Bag of Gari. It is pertinent to report to you, Sir, that five (5 nos) shops still remain under special white padlock, the same that were put on the forcefully broken ones"

According to Senator Kola Balogun; " As much as we would not hinder any law enforcement agency from carrying out their duties, it is pertinent to reiterate that this must be done strictly within the ambit of the law. We must all rise to condemn what is wrong, particularly as done by these overzealous men of the Nigerian Customs. These hardworking traders must not be discouraged or hindered from their lawful trades.

Signed

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

GRATEFUL SEN BALOGUN PROMISES CCII; IBADAN PALACES WILL WEAR NEW LOOK

GRATEFUL SEN BALOGUN PROMISES CCII; IBADAN PALACES WILL WEAR NEW LOOK

The Senator representing Oyo South District in the 9th national Assembly, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has assured the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and the people of his district that historical palaces in Ibadan and Ibarapa will start wearing new looks from this year because of the inclusion he facilitated in the 2021 budget.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, the Senator said this while he was appreciating the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, Oba Eddy Oyewole and the planning Committee of the 2021 Ibadan week for the award of Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene conferred on him at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.

In his words; "I appreciate this award and thank the Olubadan of Ibadan, all the High Chiefs present, the President General of CCII and the planning Committee of the Ibadan week 2021 for this award. I want to appreciate the Senate President, other leadership of the Senate, my colleagues in the Red Chambers, the traditional rulers and others that sponsored adverts to congratulate and joined me in celebrating this great feat".

This Special Project will enable appreciable job on the new Olubadan Central Palace alone with N50m, renovation of six other ancient palaces in Ibadan and three in Ibarapa for this fiscal year. In 2022, more palaces will be included and further construction on the new Olubadan Palace. This project will be executed by  Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) Nigeria, that has our daughter from Ibadan, Hon Olubunmi Ayobami Amao as the Director General.

Signed

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

SENATOR BALOGUN HAS BEEN CHALLENGED TO DO MORE WITH CCII AWARD | PROVIDENCE COALITION.

Providence Coalition, a sociopolitical organization that is committed to good governance and emergence of good leaders has commended the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes for the award of Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene conferred on Senator Kola Balogun of Oyo South District.

According to the statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, the President of the organization, Prince Niran Adeyoju made this known after the award ceremony. CCII is doing very well by recognizing Indigenes and non-indigenes who have made impacts and improved the lives of the people. This will go a long way in encouraging the recipients of the awards and it is very commendable.

According to the President; "Though Senator Kola Balogun has done so much in two years, particularly as a first term Senator, recognition by a non-political socio-cultural organization will go a long way in encouraging him to do more. I have been awarded before by the CCII, so I know how it motivated me too".

Prince Niran Adeyoju used the opportunity to congratulate Senator Kola Balogun on behalf of the Leader, Asiwaju Omilabu Gandhi and members of Providence Coalition for making his people proud again and the organising committee of the Ibadan week under the Chairmanship of Alhaji Abiola Alli for a very successful "Ibadan Week 2021". Programs like this promote cultural heritages and inspire Indigenes to make meaningful impacts.

Signed. 

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

Publicity Secretary of Providence Coalition

GOD PUT ME IN OFFICE BECAUSE OF OUR PEOPLE. -SENATOR KOLA BALOGUN

The Senator representing Oyo South District, Dr. Mohammed Kola Balogun has reiterated that God put him in office as Senator because of the people of Oyo South senatorial District and he just serve the people to just the grace of God and trust of the people in him.

According to the statement signed by his Special Adviser Media, the Senator said this while responding to the commendations of the Iyaloja General Chief Mrs Tina Ogundoyin and other royal fathers at the Ibarapa empowerment Facilitated by Senator Kola Balogun and powered by the Enterprise Development and Promotion of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports.

According to Senator Balogun; "we have done so much but we still have so much to do. I don't wait for opportunities in government agencies, I search for them and run after those in charge so that my people can benefit. We have many projects and programs in the 2021 budget and I will only enjoin our people to be patient and expectant". 

The Projects in Ibarapa are: Renovation of Primary School at Itabo Lanlate, the Apode-Eruwa Road, Odo-Eran Road in Igboora, Borehole at Yanko-bi-Ororo Village in Lanlate, renovation of AUD Primary School Ayete, renovation at RCM Primary School Pakoi, Igboora, financial empowerments and agricultural training for the people in the region. 

Signed.

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

SA Media

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE O4; RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S SPACE

LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE O4; RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S SPACE:

I would have loved to call it other people's boundaries but it's not every time that the space is consciously demarcated. Everyone has a space and the limit within the space for individuals vary but everyone has a limit. I read a book in 1994 (I have forgotten the title) and it talked about watching out for the boundaries. Like I used to do in those days, I decided to test the new knowledge and the unfortunate specimen was my closest friend and room mate (please don't do it)

He cooked this tasty rice and served us, we used to eat in same place if not on different times. We sat face to face and the food was on the tool. So, rather than eat from my side of the plate, I was scooping my rice from his side of the plate. At the first spoon, no reaction but from the second spoon, he started shifting uncontrollably in his chair. I was watching and taking note of his body movements. I continued with expressionless face but by the fourth or fifth spoon, he banged the stool, asked in frustration and in Yoruba; "this man what's your problem now? I laughed and apologize to him and resumed normal eating. 

Now, I learnt some practical lessons from this experiment: 1. We never agreed on the boundaries like we used to do as children yet the boundaries existed (you remember those days in elementary school and demarcating classroom chairs?). 2. It was not immediately I trespassed that he got frustrated. 3. His frustration brought a reaction that could ruin our over ten years relationship as at then. 4. After the reaction, the rest of the eating was tensed and that meant strained relationship already. I will break these four points into day to day experience.

1. When not for mutually owned properties, the boundaries might not be stipulated. So, if need be, ask for clarity sake. For example, please can I use your spoon or can I taste your side of the food to confirm something. Even at home, we keep our spaces; our sides of the bed, our favorable cutleries, sofas etc. No name is written on them but we all know who owns what.

2. When you encroach into your follower's or peer space, it's not immediately you get negative reactions except where there has been trust deficits. The frustration will progress into anger as the violation continues. Please note that for same friend, other people might not be able to sit at the table with him to eat at all. The frustrations build up but unfortunately, some people can't quickly identify what prompted it.

3. The frustration that comes from encroaching into other people's space are not easily explained. As a matter of fact, people don't know what caused the discomfort and anger, they just know they don't like this or that person around. Same way people love any leader who respects their space. For instance, "I know you don't like missing Church on Sundays but we have a crucial assignment next week Sunday, please adjust your program and take permission from Church if necessary". Wao! Even if the Pastor doesn't grant the permission, this person will ignore the pastor and follow the leader. Why, because he respected his space even when he could choose to be otherwise. We describe such leaders as being nice, we love such people. This can also be closely associated with emotional intelligence. I know a leader like that, he respects other people's space far more than I do and I love him for that too.

4. If you consistently encroach on people's space, you're overdrawing from your relationship deposit without knowing because the relationship will eventually be broken and severed. Even in marriages, couples take their spouses for granted and later they can't explain why the relationship got bad. The two of you have become one but asking if you can use her phone to make a quick call will save both of you unnecessary headaches and suspicions. A few bosses feel more like it by bursting into their subordinates' offices and encroaching into their privacy

Like I often joke with my Christian friends that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me but it is the same Christ that WILL NOT  allow me to do some of the things I can do. Leadership comes with great responsibilities and we must rise us to the occasion. This is so simple that many people ignore it; they assume encroaching into other people's space is a confirmation of how very close they are.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE: I'm not as angry as I used to be. But I can get in touch with that anger pretty quickly if I feel my space is being invaded or somebody is not treating me with the respect that I think I want. - Author: Samuel L. Jackson

Rotimi Johnson -Ojasope

ANIPR, Fellow-IPDCRM

Ibadan.