💡 Understanding the Real Meaning of “Cabal”

The word “cabal” is often used when discussing politics, corruption, or secret groups. But the truth is — a cabal simply refers to a small group of people who influence or control decisions in any organization.
Whether you’re in business, government, or even a church setting, cabals exist everywhere. And as a leader, your survival often depends on how well you understand and manage them.

⚙️ The Leadership Lesson from My Time at Dove Media

One of my greatest leadership mistakes at Dove Media was failing to recognize the real influencers — the hidden power players within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
I was so focused on driving innovation, improving systems, and “doing the right thing” that I missed the unseen power dynamics shaping decisions around me.

When Dove Media was formed, I assumed decisions were made strictly by merit or based on the company’s vision. But I soon learned that the real decisions were made long before any board meeting began.

🧩 The Hidden Power Structure

Our board had nine members, but in reality, only about four people controlled the outcome.
Before meetings, these key figures would already have agreed on their stance — and what they said was final.
I naively believed in a Western-style meritocracy, thinking good ideas would speak for themselves. But I discovered too late that influence, not logic, often shapes outcomes.

Even outside the board, non-managerial staff sometimes held immense power. There was one man, not even a manager, who worked directly in the General Overseer’s office. His words carried more weight than mine in certain matters — and yet, I treated him as just another staff member.

👁️ Lessons from a Costly Oversight

This man often advised me, gently suggesting things I should do. I thought he was just being helpful, not realizing that his voice reflected the opinions of the most influential people in the church hierarchy.
Had I recognized his importance, I would have treated his every word like gold. Instead, I missed the signals, and by the time I realized it, it was too late.

Many thought he betrayed me, but I don’t believe that. He was simply doing his duty — keeping those who placed him informed.
The painful truth? I was the CEO by title, but not the most powerful person in the organization.

🏛️ Leadership Isn’t About Position

Leadership is not always defined by titles or hierarchy.
Sometimes, the true decision-makers operate behind the scenes — quietly influencing outcomes. These are the people you must identify and build relationships with.
At Dove Media, I was the face of the company, but the church was the real power. I thought Dove Media was independent; in reality, it was an extension of the church’s mission and authority.

Investors didn’t invest because of me — they invested because of the General Overseer’s trust and influence. That’s where real credibility lived.

💬 The Importance of Cultivating Key Influencers

If you want to succeed as a leader or entrepreneur, you must recognize and respect the real influencers in your environment.
They may not hold titles, but they shape opinions, decisions, and perceptions.

Influence isn’t limited to boardrooms — it exists at every level:

• 👔 A board member whose voice decides outcomes.
• 🙏 A church elder who guides leadership perception.
• 🧹 Even a cleaner who sees and hears what others miss.

Influence is about access, trust, and perception, not necessarily position or wealth.

💎 My Takeaway

If I had understood and nurtured these relationships earlier, the outcome at Dove Media might have been different.
So, here’s what I learned — and what you must remember:

• Every organization has influencers — find them early.
• Respect informal power structures — they often drive formal decisions.
• Listen carefully to subtle advice — it may carry unseen authority.
• Never assume merit alone wins — influence often tips the scale.

🚀 Final Thought

No matter your role — CEO, founder, or team leader — remember this truth:

“You can’t survive the storm if you ignore the hands that control the sails.”

There’s always a cabal — for better or worse. Identify it. Respect it. And learn to work with it, not against it.
Your success may depend on it.

✅ Author’s Reflection:
I learned this lesson the hard way at Dove Media. I share it now so you won’t have to. In leadership, wisdom is knowing not just what to do — but who to listen to.