By Basheer Luqman Olarewaju
The executive governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has developed a co-operative approach to decision-making as he understands that his people need to be valued, respected, listened to and involved in ensuring good governance exits in the state. This approach translates into better performance for the administration and it also yields more streamlined results as the inability to make sound decisions by the government means the state could suffer greatly, as nothing would ever get done.
An inherent fear of making a mistake is one of the most common reasons that lead to ‘risk aversion,’ or the inability to move forward with decisions. In Nigeria, another common setback in our system is that many leaders get caught up in ‘analysis paralysis’. This plays out in the form of incessant information-gathering which prolongs the decision-making process.
A crucial trait of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is the ability to make decisions that are time-sensitive and well-informed. He seeks out the appropriate information that is necessary to make a good decision, and he always demonstrates an understanding of the knowledge held by his cabinet, direct reports and citizenry.
In government, decisiveness is key for effectively executing plans, policies and achieving set goals. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has the ability to balance the costs of continuing to gather information, deliberate and delay a decision versus the cost of making poor choices. He is not unaware of competing costs, and he weighs them carefully but, most importantly, he makes decisions that are clear and final.
He knows that decisiveness isn’t a skill that people, typically, talk about, but it is extremely important to successful leadership. In all honesty, it is disastrous to any state to have leader who could not make up his mind? Someone who always ask others what they thought, but he never came up with any conclusions himself? Inhabitants of any state who are witnessing such bilious experience will understand how frustrating an indecisive leader can be.
By all means, the state government shows being responsible, accountable and confident. He delivers messages with clarity and confidence, which makes it unlikely that opposition will need to second-guess his decisions.
His being decisive doesn’t entail being arrogant, stubborn or hasty, it simply means having the ability to make decisions with clarity. Being a decisive leader is a highly desirable skill, especially when it comes to leading people. There are very few people who are willing to put their trust in someone who overthinks, and goes back and forth over basic decisions.
Kwara is leading the chart on good governance across the federation simply because governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq encourages feedback from his people, and gain the perspective of various people integral to the governance, when possible. And this be from community leaders, religious clerics, elites, informal professionals, or youth; these voices do highlight a different perspective which he had not considered. He talks less but acts more. He creates an environment where feedback is expected and appreciated. He endures those who play ‘devil’s advocate’ with all major decisions. Though, this ensures a well-rounded view during the decision-making process.
Finally, and most importantly, he knows his impact as a leader and decision-maker. Walks his talk by saying what he means, and doesn’t hide behind political rhetoric. He gets out of the ivory tower, and gets involved with his citizens as often as his schedule allows. He follows the golden rules of governance with Kwarans at every level by ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach all and sundry as a way to keep the promises made during his campaign a reality.
It is important for the governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to keep being focused towards growth and development of the state so that paralyzed analysis won’t get him derailed.
