Life
has many theories. These theories are set of assumptions and statements that
present us with what should be. In academics it is "what ought to
be". Now in the midst of this sea of theories, there lies pragmatism. The
ability to do! Perhaps the track "Reggae Blues” by Harrysong et al comes
to mind - Talk and Do.
There
is a difference between "Okwulora" The mouth piece of the people and
"Ekwueme", the one who acts. Many times we find ourselves becoming
Okwulora, mesmerizing the people with high sounding words, but lacking the
willpower to walk the talk. Sometimes too, just like Ekwueme, we bulldoze our
way through, without talking much. After all, action speaks louder than voice.
Idealist –Okwulora
Such
persons believe in grand debates and lofty dreams about what ought to be laced
with magniloquence. In every team there are those who wishes to go by the grand
norm, placing ideals before practical. They can talk their way through
anything. They are quixotic in their submissions and makes extra effort to
command attention. While these set of people can waste precious times, they are
not entirely useless for in them are people whose strength in talking can be
properly used in the hands of a good manager.
These
people can serve as Communications, Public Relations or Corporate Affairs,
Strategic planning; they are excellent participants in brainstorming sessions.
Realists - Ekwueme
This
people are pragmatists who believe in reality as against utopianism. They work
with facts and tend to abhor abstracts and impractical things. For them, it is
all about more action and less talk. Talk for them is visionary while action is
a practical way to deal with situations. They are often calm and calculative,
taking into consideration every angle to effectively achieving their goals.
The Connection
But
the truth dear friends is that there is a nexus, a synergy and a connect
between talk and action, theory and practice, idealism and realism, Okwulora and Ekwueme. Try as much as possible
to balance the team with those who can state "What ought to be” and those
who believe in "What is".
Therefore
I find the words of Chaste Imegbedion quite apt in this regard.
"Life
strives on collaborative effort and synergy. We will be nowhere near
civilization or development if not for the collaborative effort of individuals,
corporations and institutions.
The
power and effect of positive collaboration should never be underestimated.
People might seem beneath you but if they have what you need to succeed, then
approach them and seek collaboration.
Collaboration
doesn’t mean you dump all your work on someone else, it simply means you
utilize the other person’s strength to cover your lack and weakness.
Collaboration can happen anywhere and at any time. It can be perfected in any
place and on any platform.
Collaboration
is not a respecter of status, time, religion, financial standing, facial beauty
or not, strengths or weakness. Collaboration doesn’t find faults rather it
seeks to cover one’s weakness, it doesn’t compete rather it encourages
brotherhood in the pursuits of our individual goals. Collaboration doesn’t
puff-up or seek its own glorification rather it seeks the collective good for
all while it reduces the need for self to the need for what can we all do
together.
Make
a conscious effort today to collaborate and see the mighty things you will be
able to achieve in your LIFETIME!"
Between
Idealism and Realism lies the opportunity to plan, strategize and execute.
OjisiEmzie
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