It Is Time to Let Go the Command and Control Mentality That Is Incompatible With Modern Day Leadership Practices

By Mwangi Wanjumbi – Newtimes B. S. CEO & Chief Consultant/Trainer

Perhaps, you have noticed that Manu Chandaria, a Kenyan Industrialist, recently received the Life Achievement Award, at the Africa Business Awards ceremony, that took place in London. You may also have noticed his numerous appointments through various boards and commissions as well as peace ambassador amongst others. These are no mean feats especially for one who could befittingly be enjoying life in the company of his grand children.

But, what attracts my attention even more is interacting with this amazing man during a recent management forum. Mr. Manu Chandaria is not only a renowned industrialist, but also a philanthropist, who has business interests stretching to more than 50 countries across the globe. This forum was graced with the presence of Manu Chandaria as one of the guest speakers.

Of great interest was the humble mien that the old man has exemplified throughout his close to 8 decades (since 1929) of business life. He does not even shy away from keenly preaching what he believes in and passionately practices. Manu Chandaria is a friend to all and an enemy to none, including his competitors as was clearly demonstrated. As further demonstration of his simplicity, he is at home being clicked photos with his excited audience anywhere, be they students or any other members of the society.

During his presentation, Manu Chandaria indicated that ego (read bloated ego) has no place in business or in the society. “Ego is not bankable anywhere,” he insinuated.  At this stage, it was noticeable that most of the guests were taken off balance despite being firmly glued to their seats. Naturally, the ego matter became one of the main questions finally thrown to the panelists. Ironically, the same seemed to generate more questions than answers.

Thus, as I sat quietly listening and jotting a few notes here and there, I realized that something must have escaped the attention of many guests. Indeed, all that Mr. Manu Chandaria was epitomizing is largely the leadership character, which forms his personality.  So, why then were the guests curious and actually uneasy with the clarification on this ego matter?

As the inquisitive thinker that I am, I sought an opportunity, not to ask a question as such, but rather to make a comment. I implored upon the delegates that one of the shortcomings that we could be having in our society is leadership skills. Instead, we are guided by the command and control mentality, which is well entrenched within us, our organizations and institutions as well. I also indicated that, I have come across and helped address the same in many organizations.

Moreover, the mentality is getting quickly outdated in a rapidly changing world. Needless to elaborate further, I felt that people need to learn and embrace leadership skills, which are unfortunately confused with politics. Apparently, many listeners identified with this latter insinuation. Indeed, a respected academician who was seated right in front of me extended a handshake immediately I finished commenting. My guess is that this was a sign of approval of what I had just said. Nevertheless, one speaker surprisingly indicated that “there is no way that people can abandon command and control way of doing things. That is so especially in the small business sector.” Really?

Luckily, we were able to privately discuss the matter and amicably agree on the fundamentals. Indeed, I impressed upon him that the command and control approach may be seen as a solution to management, only because the attitudes (read motivation) and therefore mindsets of those employed therein could be challenged. And as long as that continues, desirable culture of performance can never be achieved in the affected organizations. But, whose fault is it?

Incidentally, there may be nobody answerable for this seemingly challenged scenario. It is a whole system of thinking, which has a lot to do with colonial orientations. In our case, we inherited the bureaucratic practices in the management of both organizational and national affairs. The same involves long chains of command with a top down approach exercise of authority. Notably, there is nothing wrong with the same even though it has numerous challenges.

Meanwhile, the approaches got fundamentally entrenched in the school system and every other organized unit that would need group effort. The same bureaucratic system has been influenced by our own cultural backgrounds many of which associate age with leadership abilities. So, just like the society accorded respect to the elderly, the same has persisted even at the workplace and especially national leadership situations. Sadly, this affects efficiency in many management perspectives.  Inevitably, this makes it absolutely necessary for organizational managers to consider evolving into leadership.

Our experience is that those who acquire leadership skills especially through structured process of uniquely integrating the same with those of management, are able to immediately transform from the continually challenged command and control mindsets. More fundamentally, they involuntarily abandon the earlier noted ego, not only for their own good, but also that of organizations and entire society as well. Ironically, ego and modern leadership are not compatible.

Were it not for space and need for client privacy, I could avail many examples of organizations that have transformed through this unique integration of leadership and management skills, particularly through our organizational culture change/employee re-branding training solutions. For now, do enjoy a week free of bloated ego.

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