NIM Calls on New Members to Drive Ethical Change and Professional Excellence
The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered has issued a compelling charge to its newly inducted and upgraded members, urging them to act as positive change agents in all their professional and personal capacities. During a recent membership induction and upgrading ceremony held in Lagos, the institute emphasized the critical role these managers must play in fostering transformation across Nigeria.
Upholding Values in the Face of Pressure
President and Chairman of Council of NIM, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (retired), delivered a keynote address, stressing the importance of standing firm for what is right, even when faced with pressures to compromise. He expressed confidence that if members collectively adhere to the right values and attitudes, they can significantly contribute to the urgent transformation needed in the country.
Ayuba highlighted that in their daily responsibilities, members will inevitably encounter complex situations requiring difficult choices. In such moments, he urged them to let their decisions be guided by the ethical principles and professional standards upheld by the institute. As certified professional managers, they are entrusted with discharging their duties with the highest levels of competence and professionalism, always prioritizing corporate and collective goals over personal interests.
Code of Conduct and Core Values
In alignment with the institute's code of conduct, Ayuba reminded inductees to consistently place service above self. Members are expected to internalize and uphold core values such as selflessness, fairness, efficiency, accountability, transparency, probity, and integrity in both their professional engagements and personal decisions. This foundational ethos is designed to ensure that managers not only excel in their roles but also inspire trust and drive positive societal impact.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration as a Key Driver
During the induction lecture titled 'Building Bridges Across Sectors: The Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Professional Management,' Olubukola Ige, Team Lead at DW Digital Academy, elaborated on the benefits of cross-sector collaboration. She outlined how such partnerships can lead to:
- Enhanced innovation and better decision-making processes.
- Higher performance levels and increased resilience in operations.
- Broader impact and strengthened stakeholder trust.
Ige also addressed common barriers to collaboration, offering practical solutions. For instance, to overcome sectoral silos and turf protection, she recommended implementing cross-agency frameworks with shared Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), making collaboration a matter of national self-interest. In cases of mutual distrust between sectors, she advocated for transparency, accountability, and evidence-based approaches to build trust incrementally and durably.
Overcoming Challenges and Taking Action
When competing interests collide, Ige emphasized that a bridge-building manager who cannot be trusted cannot effectively serve as a bridge. She called on chartered managers to take proactive steps, including:
- Building active professional networks to foster connections across industries.
- Utilizing membership drives as platforms for advocacy and engagement.
- Investing in mentoring and supporting the next generation of professionals.
This comprehensive approach aims to equip NIM members with the tools and mindset needed to navigate Nigeria's evolving professional landscape, driving ethical leadership and collaborative success in their respective fields.
