Listening, Learning, Leading

Change does not simply happen by itself. This is why there must be a process for change to take place in any community or nation - the process should involve listening, learning and finally leading. I would say that, listening is the first thing to do. Listening to the cries, concerns and needs of people is critical. Governing a nation is not just about making laws or wielding power. Governing is having the capacity to hear the voices of citizens particularly suffering citizens. Unfortunately, too often listening is not enough.

After listening there is a need to learn. Learning essentially involves understanding the best ways to address the issues people have to contend with day in and day out. When we talk about learning, we are not just talking about listening to complaints and promises. To learn is to understand the way forward - it is to be able to find practical solutions, seek advice and consider long term impact. We cannot move to the next stage - leading - until we truly understand what works.

The final stage is leading; leading is about going to action and actioning a way forward. Leading is about making the changes which we learnt are necessary, and modelling best practice as an example for others to follow. What saddens me most is the number of African leaders that listen to their citizens plight but do not learn a way to address the issue properly.

In the run up to elections, politicians, will visit many communities, listen to their problems, and they will promise solutions. After election day nothing changes, the cries remain and people continue to suffer. So listenig without learning and leading keep these communities is same problems for years.

While travelling to different communities within Ghana to construct Hive boreholes, I got a great view of what was going-on close to the ground. In these deprived communities the people speak openly about their situations - absence of safe water, long distances to fetch water, and other basic needs.

I have seen government officials listen to some issues during the election campaigns but then do nothing. They just leave the communities as they found them. It is heart-breaking to watch time and time again. On our part we decided that we would not wait without doing nothing. We listened to the people, learnt what the people needed and acted to provide safe water by constructing boreholes we see today.

We understood that we cannot solve all the problems, and our actions do not replace governments responsibilities. However, we can be an example. We listen specifically, learn decisively, and lead with action.We are giving our communities the tools to create change in their lives even if it is a small step.

Change takes commitment from each and every one of us. Listening alone is not enough. Learning must accompany action. And leading with a good example for other to strive towards. If we all could engage in this way, we could bring meaningful change in every community, in spite of challenges. Listening, learning and leading is not just a process - it is a shared responsibility.