A vision is a dream. It is a mental picture of a desired future (Bennis and Nanus, 1985). Individuals rarely have the same vision. However, an individual can offer his dream to others – as seen in Martin Luther King’s immortal words, “I have a dream …” – a vision that greased the wheels of change.
Importantly, an effectively communicated vision
enables others to get on board and own the vision. Specificity, aligned with
measurability, achievability, realism and time bound captures the allegiance of
many.
Let us consider the life of Nelson Mandela.
Madiba had a vision where whites and blacks could coexist and develop South
Africa. He eventually achieved his vision. Though, Winnie his wife and several others
could not visualise Mandela’s vision. While Mandela advocated peace, his wife
and others instigated violence. Perhaps, Winnie’s perception of Mandela’s
vision was a reversal of role where it will be the blacks’ turn to dominate the
whites. Could it also be that the vision was not properly explained or sold to
Winnie? One could argue that it could have been as a result of what she passed
through. But again, Mandela also experienced similar torture if not more.
This background brings me to some of the
leadership challenges we continue to face in Nigeria. The Bible in Proverbs
27:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Our nation remains
crippled. In one sense, the situation reflects the truism, “When you fail to
plan, then you are planning to fail”.
Looking back at Nigeria’s democracy since 1999,
the challenges we face emanate from imposing people on the electorate. Remember,
Olusegun Obasanjo was freed from prison without the initial ambition or plan to
lead Nigeria. Umaru Yar’Adua (of blessed memory), the anointed one took the
reins because his predecessor did not want to hand over power to his vice,
Atiku Abubakar. Goodluck Jonathan took
over when Yar’dua died. In brief, leadership by default is not the way forward.
It is therefore, safe to say that all past
presidents since 1999 came into power by accident. Individuals without a plan
or with scant knowledge of leadership will only plan to fail. Leaders cannot
just learn on the job – the cost is too high and the detrimental suffering affects
all Nigerians.
We have leaders who have excelled in their
leadership positions because of their commitment to their vision. Nasir El
Rufai is one of such example. As former Minister of FCT from 2003 to 2007, he
transformed FCT through his vision. Many believed his plan for FCT was
outrageous and was not going to work. But through enforcement and commitment,
he eventually succeeded. Unfortunately, subsequent administrations have not
been able to sustain his vision.
Taking a good look at Buhari’s manifesto and vision
for Nigeria, we can confidently say that he has a plan! He is a patriotic
citizen and a proven leader with a vision. He has fought hard for this position
and after three consecutive ‘defeats’ he has triumphed. In fact, he has already
clearly communicated his plans to the state governors about selecting his
ministers. Some suggest that he is “slow”. I would argue that he is a tactician
and not a bull in a China shop.
Mandela’s dream took 27 years to evolve! Let us
work alongside our leader to build a new Nigeria.
Now that we have CHANGE, let us focus on
visioning to reinforce the change that will take us to the Promised Land.
