“Transformational leadership is about the right influence on followers rather than creating affluence for individual leaders,” so alluded Gift Mona. To Ogwo Emenike, “Greatness is in influence, and not necessarily in affluence. It is not achieved by being a ‘paper millionaire’, but by being a ‘people millionaire’.” Let’s reflect on the need to aspire for positive influence rather than affluence.
Do you know that whatever you have diminishes in value if it’s not managed as an instrument of positive societal influence? As Sunday Adelaja noted, “Every opportunity, every influence and affluence you possess, could not have been for you alone, but to act as a platform to impact a generation.”
Unfortunately, in the words of Vincent Nwachukwu, “Those favoured with the double-portion flavour of affluence and influence often fail to express affection for the affliction of the unfortunate.” While physical wealth and position may increase your affluence, it may not necessarily translate to increased positive influence or fulfilled life.
As Mokokoma Mokhonoana noted, “He who has more money or possessions than you is not necessarily happier than you, happy more often than you, or happy like you.” The fact remains, as Ayn Rand stated, that “Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.” The implication is the need to translate what you have into what adds value to society.
So, enhance your capacity to manage your affluence to drive the right influence. Know that you can still exert positive influence and live a value-added life without any flavour of affluence. As Ikechukwu Izuakor shared, “Neatness and cleanliness is not a function of how rich or poor you are but that of mentality and principle.” Know that while affluence may make you “loud” and visible, it may not translate to success. If not well-managed, your affluence may trigger pride and make you notorious.
Conversely, as a post on FocusU captured, “The influential man is the successful man, whether he be rich or poor.” As another post captured, “A life without influence is a life without meaning.” Therefore, explore avenues to increase your positive influence and societal impact rather than gathering unnecessary ornaments of life to increase your affluence. Reject the temptation to be so carried away by affluence that you lose touch with reality or perceive yourself as a demigod.
As John Galbraith observed, “In recent times, no problem has been more puzzling to thoughtful people than why, in a troubled world, we make such poor use of our affluence.” If all you have is affluence, listen to a source: “Affluence creates poverty.” According to Tacitus, “Many who seem to be struggling with adversity are happy; many, amid great affluence, are utterly miserable.”
As you step out, be determined to be an instrument of positive influence on others. Don’t let what you have or are negatively twist your mindset about humanity. As Eric Butterworth said, “The secret of achieving prosperity lies in so vividly keeping yourself centred in the inner focus of affluence that you literally exude the consciousness of it.”
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
