Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has emphasized the critical role of relationships in effective leadership, describing leadership as a people-centred responsibility anchored on trust, empathy and purposeful engagement.
Elumelu made this known in a post on his verified Facebook account while reflecting on the first executive knowledge-sharing session of 2026 held on Tuesday, January 13. According to him, the session provided an opportunity for leaders to pause, reflect and rethink how they lead in a constantly evolving world marked by both opportunities and threats.
He noted that leadership must not be passive, complacent, arrogant or distant, stressing that true leadership often lies in simplicity; clarity of objectives, discipline in execution and the courage to lead with authenticity.
Sharing personal experiences, the renowned African investor highlighted the power of relationships between leaders and their teams, stating that moving beyond command-and-control leadership to one driven by empathy and mutual respect significantly improves success.
Elumelu recalled working under a former boss early in his career whose leadership style continues to influence him. He said the deliberate effort of that mentor to build genuine connections with team members inspired commitment rooted not in fear, but in respect and trust.
“He trusted me, invested in me, challenged me and pushed me beyond what I thought I was ready for — sometimes in very unexpected ways,” Elumelu said.
He narrated informal but impactful moments outside the office, including dining experiences that exposed him to new cultures and learning opportunities, stressing that such interactions were not about comfort but about connection, growth and exposure.
Drawing from those experiences, Elumelu said he has remained intentional about building strong relationships with his team and exposing them beyond the workplace, noting that an enabling environment matters more than authority.
According to him, leaders must remove obstacles, uproot roadblocks and create the conditions that allow people to take ownership of their work and deliver results.
As the year begins, Elumelu urged leaders to reflect on their leadership approach, emphasizing that leadership is not about hierarchy but engagement, accessibility and openness to change.
He concluded that when leaders build trust, remove barriers and execute with conviction and without excuses, success will follow, not by chance, but by design.
The message aligns with what he described as the #TOEWay, a leadership philosophy rooted in purpose, people and performance.
