As corporate governance actors, we at times find ourselves desperately trying to influence behavior and forget basic principles that apply to execution of our duties.

I share my thoughts in this article with a view to offer recommendations on a more positive approach, even in desperate times.

In attempting to illustrate, I will provide a scenario where an actor is seized with the responsibility of coordinating efforts and inputs for feedback into their report structures. Realizing that some of the inputs do not agree with their opinion, the actor becomes selective with points to take on board. Diverse views are ignored and the actor literally “switches off” to them as soon as it becomes apparent. The actor is being oblivious.

One of the products of such negative behavior is disappointment and lack of confidence on the part of the fellow actors who give input and are ignored. If the oblivious behavior becomes a constant, the actor seeking to influence others will lose themselves into oblivion. What is worse, they cease to be effective and become irrelevant to the cause and isolating themselves from progressive thinking.

One of the rules of engagement in avoiding unfortunate scenarios such as the one alluded to above, is to be aware that you are not the sole source of wisdom and correction. That you are capable of being wrong or missing points. Secondly, being open minded and receptive to other ideas with a view to arrive at the best solutions is golden. Thirdly, being patient with yourself as you receive and process divergent views as they have potential of invoking a reaction rather than a response. Fourthly using emotional and ethical intelligence to navigate a consultative engagement is an important tool.

What other solutions are out there?

Let’s share!