Minister: Leadership is Beyond One Size Fits All

Mary Nnah

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has declared that “leadership is beyond one size fits all,” emphasising the importance of adaptability in effective leadership.

Speaking at the 14th edition of the Inspiring Woman Africa Conference held in Lagos, she noted that leadership cannot be discussed in isolation, emphasising the importance of understanding the culture and dynamics of an organisation in effective leadership.

According to Sulaiman-Ibrahim, understanding the culture, power dynamics, and diversity of a team is crucial to effective leadership. “When you work in an organisation, you need to understand its culture. You need to understand the power dynamics, the diversity of your team, and the life stage of the organisation. This approach enables leaders to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions,” she said.

Drawing from her experience as a banker, Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that she has worked in five banks, each with its unique challenges and requirements.

She stated: “As a leader, I adapt to the situation. If I’m leading in a growth organisation, I get into the trenches.”

“I become transactional, a coach, a guide, a mentor. Leadership is about being fluid and responding to situations as they arise.”

In a world where leadership is often associated with power and authority, Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s emphasis on adaptability and humility is a breath of fresh air. “Leadership is not about being rigid; it’s about being flexible. You need to understand the life cycle of your organization and adjust your leadership style accordingly,” she said.

Convener of the Inspiring Woman Africa Conference, Kemi Ajumobi, echoed Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s sentiments, stressing the critical role leadership plays in shaping the destiny of nations. “I believe that any nation could become better, or even best, if leadership is right,” Ajumobi declared, adding that: “It trickles down from the head, and we understand that when we talk about leadership, we can never get out of it.”

She emphasised that the fate of Nigeria hangs precariously in the balance, and that the key to unlocking a brighter future lies in getting leadership right.

Ajumobi further stressed that leadership is crucial to the development of any nation andd that it has a profound impact on society. “The future of our nation depends on the quality of our leadership. Let’s get it right, and let’s build a brighter future for all,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to prioritize good leadership, saying, “Let’s get leadership right, and everything else will follow. It’s time for Nigeria to take a step forward, and it all starts with leadership.”

As the conference drew to a close, Ajumobi promised that the next edition would be even more impactful.

Both Sulaiman-Ibrahim and Ajumobi’s insights highlighted the importance of effective leadership in driving progress and development. As the nation grapples with leadership challenges, their words serve as a timely reminder that leadership is not just about giving orders, but about inspiring and empowering others to achieve greatness.