RELEVANCE

I once read an interview granted by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in which the former Editor-in-chief of the Sun Newspaper discussed very passionately the future of the News print industry. He considered the challenge the industry may have to face considering the changing times and the invasion of Online News media and other very competing channels of news dissemination. As I ruminated over Mr Adesina’s words on this issue, I realized that change is perhaps the most certain feature of all human experiences. The key to thriving across times and seasons is to find a way to be relevant in spite of the changing times and seasons. I understood this principle better when I pondered on the scenario of the woman on the street of my office from whom myself and my colleagues used to buy boli (roasted plantain) and groundnut but who has now moved into the Corn and coconut industry since the season of plantain has long come and gone.

I love how Ernest Agyemang Yeboah illustrates the idea of relevance when he said the same tongue that tastes a cube of sugar when it is placed in a small cup of water and appreciates it, is the same tongue that tells the same cube of sugar how tasteless it is when it is placed in a large volume of water. Just like the cube of sugar must understand that a change in its environment can affect how well it tastes, it is important that we are awake to the realities of change as we pursue purpose so that we can devise the best strategies to stay relevant.

Thus, I’ll like to share some thoughts with you on some points I think are essential keys to staying relevant in an ever-changing world. I am certain you are going to find these thoughts helpful as you give yourself to the pursuit of your God-intended purpose.

1. Consistency

Consistency is the currency of relevance. Before you can be relevant in the face of change, you must first learn to be consistent in generating results that meet real needs and answer genuine questions. You have to become a household name by virtue of your consistent demonstration of integrity and resourcefulness before you can last any wind of change. You also have to have gained a level of clarity in what your message is and be willing to share that message consistently.

2. Innovation

In the face of change, innovation is key. You have to be flexible enough to try out new ideas and make attempts at exploring fresh opportunities to maximise your potentials and fulfill your purpose. What you must note here is that you should be innovative in your METHODOLOGIES and not necessarily your MESSAGE. Your message should remain the same in line with your core values across times and seasons, but how you get your message across to the people you lead will require innovation to stay afloat and remain relevant. You must learn genuine and innovative ways to reinvent yourself by forging such partnerships that may be necessary for your continued relevance and by exploring new ideas that do not betray your message but hold you out as a brand interested in growth. There are endless possibilities for those who are willing to be flexible and stretch their imagination.

3. Connection

This last point is perhaps the most important of all. In Jeremiah 17, scripture describes a man who trusts in God as a tree planted by the river side. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green and never fails to bear fruit. In essence, this tree is able to bear fruits and produce green leaves irrespective of the season because it is connected to a source that never dries. I hope you see point then that the greatest secret to your staying relevant in your pursuit of purpose is to stay connected to God.

Dear friend, your story is too important to become “once upon a time.” This week, I challenge you to embrace consistency in the pursuit of your life assignment. Learn the wisdom of timely innovation. Above all, put your trust in God and let your confidence be in Him. You will be relevant for as long as He is relevant and that is for all ETERNITY!

Blessed? Let me hear your thoughts on this matter. Please leave a comment and don’t forget to share.

You matter to me always.