Delegation for Leaders (Part 2) by Kohol Shadrach Iornem

Many a times, we often think we are delegating effectively but in reality we do not do it the right way.

 

Delegation for Leaders (Part 1) by Kohol Shadrach Iornem

One of the most effective management tools a leader can employ in order to fulfil a responsibility and allow for the active contribution of subordinates is delegation. The results from the delegator observer worksheet as highlighted in the video suggested that the next time the participants engaged in delegating, they put themselves in the shoes of the observer and see if they have answered YES to all the questions in the delegation observer worksheet.

NUC Analog Thinking in a Digital Age by Kohol Shadrach Iornem

Reportedly, the National Universities Commission’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Ibrahim Usman Yakasai, recently declared:

“Nigeria will not recognise online degrees. Online degrees are not accepted in Nigeria at the moment; the Nigerian constitution does not even give recognition to such degrees. Those who ran out of Nigeria for study outside this country are those looking for cheaper degrees. It is either they cannot pass the examinations or they do not possess the minimum entry qualifications” (Amuta, 2015).

Having mulled over the NUC press release, the following questions came to mind:  

1.    Does the NUC diligently regulate its accredited universities? The NUC apparently knows what is not acceptable but cannot manage their mandated responsibilities around diligence in their universities. For example, the issue is not the way in which students receive knowledge but the environment in which students attending their universities struggle to learn. The NUC needs to get its house in order. It is time it addressed its monitoring (maintenance) procedures. Quality education cannot survive when students stand outside lecture rooms to receive teaching! Must Nigerians “recognise” NUC incompetence in addressing this debacle?

2.    Why is no Nigerian University featured in the top 2000 places in the global universities ranking? Comparatively, however, three South African universities make the top 500 (Times Higher Education, 2014; Webometrics, 2014). Worryingly, one of Nigeria’s management and human resources experts, Fola Ogunsola reported that over 80% of Nigerian University graduates (with an NUC accredited degree) do not meet the expectations of employers (Omenazu, 2015). This grassroots reality speaks for itself.

3.    Perhaps Mr Yakasai might consider that students seek other venues because of the parlous state of decaying NUC universities. Online institutions (like Harvard and Cambridge Universities) offer world-class education and use distance learning (Harvard University, 2015; University of Cambridge, 2015) – why throw out the educational baby regardless of the institution? If other countries allow Nigerians to attend their universities why does the NUC feel threatened? Is the NUC afraid of legitimate competition? Of course, one way to get rid of the competition is to give a dog a bad name and then hang it.

4.    Is there really a law in Nigeria that forbids online teaching? The constitution provides for academic freedom in which Nigerians can choose how and where to learn. The constitution gives Nigerians the freedom of information – the right to pass information to others. This information includes all records, documents and information stored in whatever form including written, electronic, visual image, sound, audio recording (Freedom of Information Act, 2011). If you are saying something is illegal, it means it against the law and there is no such law. It was for a similar reason that the Judge dismissed the case of PROF DAVID IORNEM V. NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION in Suit number FHC/ABJ/C8/439/2005. The judge was amazed that the NUC could not distinguish between a circular and a law. The NUC had purportedly issued a circular claiming it was a law. What sort of “governance” is taking place in the NUC?

5.    Why is the NUC glued to lecture room teaching? Distance learning and lecture room teaching are 21^st century realities. Instead of seeking refuge in a questionably out of date Nigerian law (which is not even in the Nigerian Constitution) that forbids online teaching, the NUC should advance the benefits of online learning to the legislators. Online education has the potential to free some of the education challenges in Nigeria. For example, if 500,000 students enrol for JAMB and the carrying capacities of the universities are 400,000, what happens to the 100,000? Online universities can help reduce this unacceptable mess.

6.    Has the NUC conducted research into distance learning? Online degrees are designed to accommodate mature adults and professionals who want to advance their education while still working. It is important that NUC accept that Blended Learning is taking centre stage in higher education in developed countries (ICEF Monitor, 2015). The blended learning combines aspects of mostly independent study using online technologies and occasional student-lecturer interaction. Importantly, degrees obtained via blended learning are not different from those who study for the lecture room qualifications.  However, which online degrees cause the NUC concern – and why? Research papers would add to the debate.

7.    There are many success stories of distance learning. For example, the legal luminary and impeccable politician, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, read his two degrees (B.Com. and LL.B.) outside the four corners of a university wall. He is one the best lawyers and politicians in the history of Nigeria. Also, the famous Nigerian academic and professor of mathematics, Chike Obi, got his first class degree studying from his home in Onitsha. There are many of such success stories including Nelson Mandela. If it was possible in those days, why is it impossible, now?

No, Mr Yakasai, Nigerians are not looking for cheaper degrees! Serious students seek credible education void of archaic practice and poorly maintained and overcrowded institutions. Nigerians want to be part of the global community that value a quality learning environment in a strife free academic setting. Many of us are sick and tired of the stifling and academically restricted NUC-controlled educational status quo! However, Mr Yakasai, it might be a good idea to check out what the law of our country is. A learned Judge disagrees with the NUC article’s vacuous claim made about Nigerian law. Perhaps, a professional approach would require such a reliable source statement, would it not?

Perhaps Mr Yakasai and his fellow NUC members might learn the lesson of the dinosaurs – they disappeared when not adapting to change. A truculent dismissal of online degrees is not a solution that enhances and sustains our decrepit tertiary educational system. The NUC needs to wake up to its 21^st century responsibilities and move beyond the archaic learning methodologies of previous eras. The current approach adopted by this otherwise respected body continues to push Nigerian education into the swamp of irrelevance and decay, motivate students to study overseas and advance online learning.  

Sources

Amuta, M (2015). NUC Says International University Degrees Received Via Online Education Will Not be Recognized in Nigeria. Bella Naija, citing Punch). Retrieved from http://www.bellanaija.com/2015/07/24/nuc-says-international-university-degrees-received-via-online-education-will-not-be-recognized-in-nigeria/ on 25 July 2015.

Freedom of Information Act (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nigeria-law.org/Legislation/LFN/2011/Freedom%20Of%20Information%20Act.pdf on 25 July 2015.

Harvard University (2015). What distance learning programs are offered at Harvard? Retrieved from http://www.harvard.edu/faqs/distance-learning on 25 July 2015. 

ICEF Monitor (2015). Blended learning moving to centre stage in higher education. Retrieved from: http://monitor.icef.com/2015/07/blended-learning-moving-to-centre-stage-in-higher-education/ on 25 July 2015. 

Omenazu, E (2015). ‘80% of Nigerian graduates unemployable’ Retrieved from:

 http://dailyindependentnig.com/2015/04/80-of-nigerian-graduates-unemployable/ on 25 July 2015. 

Times Higher Education (2014). World University Ranking. Retrieved from: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2014-15/world-ranking/region/africa on 25 July 2015.

University of Cambridge (2015). Online courses at Cambridge. Retrieved from: http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/courses/online-courses on 25 July 2015.

Webometrics (2014). Ranking Web of Universities. Retrieved from: http://www.webometrics.info/en/world?page=23 on 25 July 2015.

NUC Analog Thinking in a Digital Age by Kohol Shadrach Iornem 

Visioning: Looking Beyond CHANGE by Kohol Iornem

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.

http://www.koholiornem.co.uk/apps/blog/show/43404336-visioning-looking-beyond-change-by-kohol-iornem

Systems Management – dealing with time thieves at our work place By Kohol Shadrach Iornem, MBA, B.Eng, PgD., MIMC, MBAM

Kohol Shadrach Iornem

Do we not all struggle to meet deadlines and find ourselves unwilling losers against the ticking clock? Many of us have spent hours reading about effective time management - has the theory worked through to practice?  

A sage of old wrote, “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Modern wise people now write that ‘Time’ determines what we do, how we do it, when we do it, and the results we achieve.

Over the years, writers have generated debates, shared their opinions and earned money from those of us who read their books – because we want to manage time and remain disciplined about keeping within time-bonded settings. 

Many authors have argued that time cannot be managed because you can only cope with what you have control over. Therefore, we do not have control over how time gradually ticks away, we therefore cannot manage it (Jones and Loftus, 2009; Maxwell, 2011; Taylor, 2012).

However, they contend that even though we cannot control time, there is one thing we can control, that is - ourselves; hence, it is preferable to refer to it as self-management. Nevertheless, I wonder if systems management is not more to the point. After all, we are systems ourselves and systems define much of what we use on a daily basis. 

Top 7 Time Wasters

When lecturing, I ask the managers on our executive education courses to make a list of 10 things that steal their time. I have discussed below, six of the most common time stealers and I have added ‘computing systems failure’ - the time thieves unique to my work environment as an IT Administrator. Therefore, to illustrate my attempt to launch into effective systems management I have shared my journey of discovery and … success.

1.    Personal Disorganization

Looking for a pen, car keys, or files on our computer can be so frustrating – and time wasting! Now, let us read on to systems management.

Suggestions:

·        Give people qualified access to your worktable / place. I recall an instance when my boss asked his secretary to clean his office. The next day my boss was looking for a book on his shelf but could not find it. What had happened? His secretary had arranged his shelf and instead of arranging the books subject wise, she arranged the books according to height and size - thereby mixing different subjects. The good woman’s systems management was not the one that my boss followed.

·        Have a proper filing and organized system. Have a place for your stationery. Select a particular style for saving your files. For example when you modify a particular document, you can save it by adding V2 (version 2), V3 (version 3) and so on to the file name. That way, you will be able to retrieve the latest modification.

2.    Multitasking

We often find ourselves doing so many things at the same time. In most cases, this happens because we are not able to distinguish between what is important and what is urgent.

Suggestions: 

Covey’s (2004) four-quadrant time management system suggests that when a task is important and urgent, you do it immediately. When a task is important but not urgent, you decide when to do it. When a task is urgent and not important, you delegate, and when a task is neither important nor urgent, you dump it.   According to Covey, the Important and Urgent Quadrant includes – crises, pressing issues, deadlines, some meetings; the Important and Not Urgent – preparation, planning, relationship building, forming strategies, personal development; the Urgent and Not Important – some mails, interruptions, some meetings; the Not Urgent and Not Important -  excessive TV / games, some phone calls and, excessive time spent on social media.

3.    Distractions and Interruptions

·        The arrivals of visitors, influx of emails and repetitive phone calls can disrupt a planned allotted time. These disruptions sometimes cause us to forget important activities. However, if we do not plan our day (c.f. Covey’s four-quadrant system), we will be very busy (not in the positive sense) doing other peoples’ tasks.

·        Distractions from people can adversely affect our system if we cannot say ‘NO’ to some now requests.

Suggestions:

·        A To-Do-List can be helpful to use as part of our systems management tool - for example, setting reminders on our computer or mobile phone. My systems management alerted me about filing my annual returns one-week in advance, then three-days before, then one-day before and on the D-day as well. My systems management worked!

·        Furthermore, the Pareto 80/20 Rule is helpful to enable us to focus 80 percent of our time and energy on the 20 percent of work that really matters.

·        Systems management works when we have a defined Key Result Area (KRA) defined as the “primary responsibilities of an individual, the core area which each person is accountable” (Web 1). When people approach us to do a task for them, Turla (2006) suggests that we ask ourselves this question, “Is what I am about to do going to contribute to my KRA?” If it does not, then we should refuse and explain the importance of the current tasks - and how their request will affect our KRA.  Again, this method contributes to my systems management theorem.

·        Develop a template for answers to frequently asked questions. That way when we receive influx of mails, we are able to respond immediately without having to write each response from scratch.

·        In addition, we may wish to set aside time to accommodate disruptions. This can be included in the time we allot for visiting hours. Remember the acronym, KISS – visitors must Keep It Short and Simple. 

4.    System Failure

Desktops, laptops, projectors or any electronic system that enhances your work remain subjected to Murphy’s Law viz. If anything can go wrong, it will. Waiting for a computer system to boot is time consuming and caused by a variety of reasons. However, prior to remedial technical attention to the problems, frustration rules the day!

Suggestions:

·        Is our computer system updated and is the antivirus installed? Do we shut down our PC / Laptop when not in use for a lengthy period – say, ten hours?

·        However, if we proactively allow time for the unexpected delays in our planned work time, we should face less stress. For example, if slated to deliver a 90-minute lecture, why not allot 10-minutes for unexpected system failure.

5.    Poor Communication

“The meaning of your communication is the response you get … while your intention may be clear to you, it is the other person's interpretation and response that reflects your effectiveness” (ANLP, 2014). Poor communication could be in the form of bad handwriting as well. Imagine if we asked our assistant to type our manuscript and he / she could not comprehend some aspects of our writing, we will find him / her disturbing our time slot so that the typing can proceed!  

Suggestions:

·        It is our duty to ensure feedback when giving verbal instructions - so that the message is clear. For example, get the individual to summarise your instructions and then correct as necessary. Remember the acronym, KISS … Keep It Short and Simple.  

·        Write clearly and dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

6.    Meetings

Meetings, without a defined agenda chew up precious time  

Suggestions:

·        The convener of the meeting must communicate the agenda to members well ahead of time (at least one day) to enable knowledgeable preparation and consider requests for input to the planned deliberations.

·        Stand-up meetings are often better than seated sessions and, in most situations cut out unnecessary waffle – especially by those who love the sound of their own voice! Remember the SU rule … STAND UP, SPEAK UP and SHUT UP!

7.    Procrastination

People procrastinate because they are avoiding unpleasant or difficult tasks. For some, it is the fear of making a mistake whilst for others it is a time-wasting habit (Jones and Loftus, 2009).

Suggestions:

·        Let us consider Mark Twain’s advice about Procrastination. He likened it to eating a frog. “The first rule of frog eating is this: If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first …The second rule of frog eating is this: If you have to eat a live frog at all, it doesn't pay to sit and look at it for very long” (Tracy, 2006:2-3).

You may also wish to consider your personal prime time i.e. when you are most effective. For some, it is in the mornings, whilst for others it is in the afternoons or evenings. It is advisable to carry out these ‘procrastination prone’ tasks during your prime time.

The above list is not exhaustive and intended to offer ways in which employees can effectively bury these time stealers at their work place.

“A year from now you may wish you had started today” — Karen Lamb

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now” – Chinese Proverb.

What are we waiting for? Let us get to work and deal with the time thieves by setting up system management structures.

References:

ANLP (2014). Presuppositions of NLP.  Available: http://www.anlp.org/presuppositions-of-nlp. Last accessed 10th Sep 2014.

Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 habits of highly effective people: restoring the character ethic. New York, Free Press.

Maxwell, J.C.  (2011). Don’t manage your time; manage your life! Available: http://johnmaxwellonleadership.com/2010/11/29/dont-manage-your-time-manage-your-life/. Last accessed 10th Sep 2014.

Jones, L and Loftus, P. (2009). Time Well Spent – Getting things done through effective time management. London: Kogan Page Limited. 1-125.

Taylor, H. (2012). 10 Time Management Myths. Available: https://www.taylorintime.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&It emid=105. Last accessed 18th Nov 2012.

Tracy, B. (2006). Eat that Frog! 21 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time. Available: http://www.bkconnection.com/static/eat-that-frog-excerpt.pdf . Last accessed 10th Sep 2014.

Turla, P. (2006). Time Management Tips: How to Set Priorities and Improve Your Time Management Skills Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rFMWRYnT18. Last accessed 10th Sep 2014.

Web 1. http://www.humanresources.hrvinet.com/what-are-key-result-areas-kra/. Last accessed 10th Sep 2014.

PowerPoint Presentation – Updates for Lecturers and Students By Kohol Shadrach Iornem, MBA, B.Eng, PgD., MIMC, MBAM

Kohol Shadrach Iornem

A PowerPoint presentation is one of the best ways to convey knowledge to an audience and advancing technology demands that presenters keep in step with the latest innovations.

The target audience has the right to expect the best presentation of the topic and this includes the use of media.  

As lecturers, we are accountable to acquit ourselves to the best of our professional abilities in order to ensure that fees paid by the audience are honoured, the reputation of our university / college / school is not tarnished and our ability to impart knowledge is respected.

Personal experience is often the best teacher and my skills continue to develop from observing, reading and then practising. I hope this will bring be a small contribution to enable colleagues to continue striving for excellence. 

The aim of this write up is to:

·         list the importance of using Microsoft PowerPoint effectively

·         suggest a comparative use of other media programmes and to share information about other effective presentation tools.  

Let us consider improving our use of the Microsoft PowerPoint programme – and remember, it is not rocket science!

Firstly, the use of the bullet points:

·         draw attention to important information within a document so that a reader can identify the key issues and facts quickly

·         introduce the amplification of the content by narrator and could refer to a related document or hand out. Check out the useful information on bullet points in the Oxford Dictionary, http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/bullet-points (Accessed 2 September 2014)

Secondly, paragraph script, graphics and fonts:

·         PowerPoint usage is best effective with key word / key phrases and not lengthy lines of script

·         PowerPoint content is best served by the use of relevant graphics – remember that one picture is worth a thousand words

·         a 40 point heading and 28  or 30 point font size always gives a readable presentation

·         stick to one theme font – for example, Ariel, Calibri or Times Roman. The simpler, the better, so KEEP IT SHORT and SIMPLE (KISS)

·         be cautious about using the dock camera to display written material because this asset is not always available on every computer – have a hard copy backup on hand.

Thirdly, we must own the content:

·         there is a danger of using a prepared set of slides because we do not own the content

·         If we do not manage the slide content ourselves we may lose impact and, for the seasoned audience, we will show up as being ill-prepared. For example, I recall how a particular speaker being all over the place when he could not control his slide presentations because the automatic settings had taken over the show! On another occasion, a presenter thought he had finished explaining a page, only to encounter more text flying in with every click of the mouse!

Fourthly, let us expand our horizons and learn about other digital alternatives to Microsoft PowerPoint:

·         For example, Slide Share, Google Presentations, Prezi, Slide Rocket, Zoho Show, Keynote, Haiku Deck and many more. Fresh approaches break the monotony of “the same thing” syndrome – how we present our content affects how  our  audience receives it.  

Finally, be prepared:

·         Enquire from the course organisers the systems that are available in place for presentation when being invited to speak.

·         Get information on the presentation requirements, for example, if PowerPoint should be used or if the presentation will involve case studies or syndicate groups

STUDY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM – GLOBALLY ACCREDITED EDUCATION

I am a graduate from one of London’s top colleges and a United Kingdom University.

Can I help you on your pathway to a globally acceptable education?

Undergraduate Studies leading to:

·         BA (Hons) Business Studies

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Partial scholarships are available but limited. 

Supportive study assistance, accommodation suggestions and assistance with visa applications are other services on offer.

The world is your oyster - if you are interested and want additional information please contact me.

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 via http://www.koholiornem.co.uk/contact