If There Is One Subject I Must Be Good At, It Is Analysis of Business Problems…

I came to Lagos Business School to be a better version of myself, but not in a way that makes me lose sight of what brought me here in the first place. I would like to believe I have a passion for business, management, team building, leadership and all that good stuff. But when the theory meets the practice, I find myself experiencing some form of cognitive dissonance. Am I here by choice or by circumstance? I exist in this chapter of my life with the mindset that my journey is one of self-sacrifice. That I must do everything within my power to ensure the family business thrives going into the next generation. Thankfully, the sacrifices I need to make to succeed in this mission are not imposed on me, far from it. As a matter of fact, I accept my role in making these sacrifices wholeheartedly. However, that does not make them any less daunting for someone like me who has failed and struggled with self-doubt as much as I have. Now, how does this tie into the title written above?

You see, I believe I am at a point where my desire to do well in Analysis of Business Problems is so intense, that I find my fear of failure in this subject to be somewhat crippling. Something as simple as saying the wrong thing in class stops me from saying anything at all. The idea of introducing new material or information is met with a “What if she does not deem it relevant?” I find this subject most relatable out of everything that has been taught to us so far. I see business problems play out daily in my place of work. The way these problems are framed, and how that shapes our approach to finding a solution, has a direct impact on our bottom line. I can see it. I want to say something, but I do not yet know how to say it. Even when I do, a systematic approach to the solution is not followed through in a consistent manner that will solve the underlying issue/problem. I am encouraged to believe that my contribution is relevant, and I am well within my rights to share my thoughts and opinions on issues that affect the company. But the way I frame the problems of the company and my approach to a solution seems drastically different from what executive management is ultimately willing to do at this moment in time. I believe this is because such a shake-up would require the system to go too far outside its comfort zone, and the people in charge of the system are simply not in that stage of their success journey. The people in charge have reached the pinnacle of their respective careers. They have nothing else to prove. So, this chapter is a victory lap for them. However, that is why the elements of stagnation and decline are starting to set in. So, at the risk of being like the ostrich who buries his head in the sand, I have accepted that it is best to respect the status quo and let things play out naturally as they should and live with the consequences. In the meantime, I will work to acquire more and more knowledge in preparation for the appointed day.

Is this the right thing to do? Have I framed my problem correctly? Does my decision say more about my respect for authority, or my avoidance behavior towards conflict and criticism?

#MMBA5