As actors in corporate governance, there are instances when our actions ignite certain discussions or even processes in an organisation. In this piece, I will call it “fire lighting”.
The motivation for fire lighting, however, may be positive or negative. The proponent could be doing it for warmth, cooking and so on, or to commit arson!
The thoughts I share in this article attempts to bring to light some experiences in corporate governance that are similar to the foregoing paragraph. It is important to appreciate that when you light a fire, there are certain responsibilities attached to your action. It is your responsibility to ensure that it is done safely and does not reduce the building to ashes.
In corporate discussions, actors often contribute to operations by raising issues.
I hold the view that for discourse to be meaningful to operations and the organisation, actors should ensure that they are able to “back up” their submissions and believe that they can sustain their views on a matter until they either convince the group or authority or are convinced otherwise by majority contrary view or by realisation. It is quite unfair to introduce a view to colleagues which is unsubstantiated. Questions as to “why”, “how”, “when” and so on, should be anticipated as one makes submissions.
Simply stating, “I do not agree to that” with no reasons advanced for the contribution, does very little for decision making.
Perhaps a sentiment such as “Considering that we do not have expert input into the matter, it would be quite difficult for us to determine the viability of the project. On those grounds, I would not support the recommendation and urge Management to resubmit the proposal after the expert advice is obtained”. The former sentiment is an invitation to being perceived as a rubble rouser, someone who lit the fire and ran, an arsonist!
My proposition is that if governance is approached in the manner suggested above, the organisation should be able to make quality decisions, effectively and efficiently implement strategy and inculcate a culture of excellence amongst its actors.
In conclusion, do not light the fire and run. Light the fire so that we can cook a nice meal and put it out as soon as we are done!
Thank you.
