"I Am the Relevant, But No One Else"

In a world where titles and positions often steal the spotlight, there exists a powerful truth that transcends labels and ranks: the criticalness of individuals in driving a company's success. This phenomenon is exemplified by the concept of "The Leader Who Had No Title," as expounded by Robin Sharma in his influential book.

As someone whose life has been shaped by two pivotal elements - a cherished graduation gift and a thought-provoking speech from Chief Compliance Officer of Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in my early career - I can attest to the profound impact that individuals, regardless of their position, can have on a team, a company, a society, and even a nation.

The book "The Leader Who Had No Title" arrived as a beacon of wisdom on the day of my graduation. A gift from my favorite bookstore, a sanctuary I frequented even at the cost of a significant portion of my stipend. Little did I know that within those pages lay a philosophy that would change my perspective forever. Sharma's narrative revolves around the idea that leadership is not confined to titles but is a mindset that anyone can adopt.This philosophy aligns seamlessly with the belief that each individual, irrespective of their designated role, can be a catalyst for positive change within an organization.

Zooming in from the individual level to the dynamics of a team, the significance of each member's commitment and contribution cannot be overstated. A harmonious blend of diverse talents, when harnessed collectively, creates an environment where innovation thrives and challenges are tackled head-on. The developer writing code, the manager coordinating projects, the custodian maintaining the workspace – all play a role in shaping the team's success. The absence of titles and hierarchies fosters an inclusive atmosphere where every voice is valued, ultimately driving the company towards its goals.

Expanding the lens further to the company level, the ethos of "I am the relevant, but no one else" finds application in nurturing a culture of ownership. A workforce that recognizes their impact, regardless of their position, is more likely to take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities. This heightened sense of responsibility ripples through the company's fabric, resulting in increased efficiency, productivity, and innovation. The CEO's title might adorn the corner office, but the real driving force lies in the collective effort of every employee.

Transitioning beyond the corporate realm, the concept holds true for society & nation-building. Every citizen is a stakeholder in the progress of their society and country. Just as a well-coordinated orchestra produces melodious symphonies, a society thrives when individuals recognize their roles in promoting harmony, equality, and progress. In the grand tapestry of a nation, the actions of every citizen weave the fabric of its future.

The pivotal speech from the CEO of a prominent private commercial bank now, the then Chief Compliance Officer of CBE, echoed the sentiment that results are the ultimate measure of effort, surpassing titles and designations. This resonates deeply with the philosophy of being relevant, as it underscores the idea that tangible contributions outweigh superficial distinctions. In a world where outcomes speak volumes, the results of collective endeavors define the trajectory of organizations, societies, and nations.

That’s why my life time mantra, "I Am the Relevant, But No One Else" encapsulates the undeniable truth that individuals are the driving force behind the success of a company, transcending titles and positions. This philosophy ripples through the intricate levels of teams, companies, societies, and nations. Like the treasured book received on graduation day and the current CEO of one of the middle sized private banks today , the then Chief Compliance Officer's impactful speech, these experiences cement the fact that each individual, regardless of their role, plays an irreplaceable part in shaping the future. It's a reminder that our relevance stems not from titles, but from the lasting impact we leave on the world around us.