By Olajide Hamzat
The desire for a new type of leadership that has the grace and the gut to solve complex problems with crystal clarity has increased over time. By definition and description, leaders are automatically expected to be problem solvers, solution providers and transformers. They are expected to have answers to simple and complicated questions while genuinely caring for their subjects. When stripped of its pompous jargons, the right kind of leadership is the one that’s ‘otherish’ in approach and style.
In Give and Take, Adam Grant, Warton Business School Professor of Organization Psychology argued that givers are scientifically divided into selfless and other-rish. To be selfless means to care for others in a way that may undermine your own well-being. Any form of giving that result in avoidable and preventable exhaustion, burnout and breakdown is termed selfless giving. Grant noted that the otherish giving is rooted in profound care for others in a way that prioritize one’s wellbeing. That is, instead of burnout and breakdown, otherish givers ensured balance and a healthy relationship in organization, family or society. In other words, this type of giving is far from one that is predicated on ‘I, Me and Myself’ philosophy – an idea that has negatively affected and impacted much of third world countries. Sadly, in many developing countries where leadership ought to be about service, sacrifice, excellence and stewardship, the reverse has been the case.
While Oyo State has enjoyed an impressive array of transformational leadership, particularly under the bold and daring Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, sustaining the legacy of the man who has raised the bar, set a new pace and changed the face of governance ought to inspire the next generation of leaders. Of course, I am not here to roll out Governor Makinde’s achievements although, in due time, I will spotlight some of his government’s scorecards for the pleasure of the readers. Amid the repeated call for a visionary leader who will sustain and build on the legacy of the state’s founding fathers, one man stands as an exemplar. Out of many, he shown the thing that set him apart.
Repeatedly, he has demonstrated the stuffs that make him unique. Refined and renowned, this accomplished gentleman represents the face of servant leadership and transformation in the state. In boardroom, he excelled at leading changes and in politics, he has walked with conviction of a truly undaunted man.
To say this man is quite unique is to be economical with the truth. From a background of humility, native intelligence and wisdom, Amofin Beulah Adeoye stands as a beacon of hope, inspiration and transformation. He is by far, a leader with the gold standard. Of all things that makes him exceptional and unique, his compassion stands out. Merriam Webster mobile dictionary defined compassion as being sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it. For several years, compassion has been at the heart of Amofin Beulah’s contributions and interventions. His foundation and charity are premised on addressing people’s pressing needs. And to lead in the 21st century, particularly in developing countries, exemplifying compassion has been tipped as a boon.
Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.
