I attended a leadership course recently at the Lagos Business School that exposed me further to how strategic decision making shapes the future of organisations. The greatest impact on me was the spirit and letter of the last and concluding session, titled “The Balanced Scorecard”.
The Balanced Scorecard rests squarely on the premise that the going concern of any organisation depends not only on figures but also on other variables that are difficult to quantify but the absence of which can pose a risk of existential threat to the organisation.
It is easier to measure the success of a business in figures. Business owners look forward to the returns on their investment, which depends largely on profit and from which return on investment is distributed. Behind the figures are some qualitative variables, they are no less important.
If your organisation operates a toxic culture or if your business is insensitive to the vagaries in the business environment, you may be declaring huge profits today but tomorrow may not come if you focus more on today’s figures but less on the fundamentals which may not be captured in your financial statement.
There are many more of such fundamentals that can affect your business but this piece is not even about your business. Take a moment and reflect. How do you measure your success as an individual? If you measure your success solely on the depth of your pocket today, you are vulnerable.
Beyond the figures, balance your scorecard in 2026:
đ You may not be able to quantify the investment of time in yourself and your mental wellbeing but you need it to connect you to the future.
đ Even if you spend money on training and personal development, the knowledge acquired cannot be quantified but your future depends on it.
đ You can have a budget for health but you cannot document the output on you in monetary terms. Needless to say that your life depends on good health.
đ Investment in quality interpersonal relationships sometimes requires money but you cannot document the expected benefits. Oftentimes, all you need to maintain quality relationships is just a decision.
đ Your spiritual connection is not expensive and it guarantees you inner peace. Salvation is actually free, you only need plenty of money when you are shopping around to buy miracles.
In summary, success today does not guarantee success tomorrow. You have to be intentional. Accountants count net worth in figures. Sometimes they add goodwill. If you want to count your net worth, don’t forget to balance your scorecard. Money does not answer everything.
I am excited about 2026. Happy New Year once again.
Šī¸ Akin Oluwadare Jnr.
05 January 2026
