This article was written by Anne Attouah Nda-Koffi, a member of the inaugural Leadership Africa class
For the past 9 months, from January 29th to October 23rd, I have been blessed to be part of a talented, diverse cohort of outstanding individuals in Leadership Africa. As a result, I’ve learned so much about myself.
Leadership Africa taught me how to get out of my comfort zone and helped me take the initiative to lead, and I did it with grace and support from my fellow leaders.
As African immigrants/African Americans, we, myself included, are quick to try and find solutions to various problems that we identify in our community without stopping for a few seconds and analyzing the real issue.
Through its hands-on approach to leadership, using various human relations activities, this program showed me that oftentimes, the problem’s solution is in the problem itself. I learned this by what Effley Brooks referred to as stepping out on the balcony and looking with a very analytical approach.
I always looked forward to Effley’s think outside the box activities and his life lessons stories. His storytelling ability is off the chain.
Emilie’s smooth approach to decision-making and empowerment show her leadership skills beyond measure.
This course has equipped me with leadership skills to enhance both my professional and personal life. Skills such as listening for acceptance, giving feedback, and most importantly receiving one, planning and implementation, leading a project, through our final leadership project, motivation and good relationships.
Through what I now know as the Enneagram system, I discovered not only my true personality but other people’s personality and how to approach them in various aspects of leadership.
In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, Leadership Africa is not your typical professional leadership development program, it is more than that. It teaches about acceptance, belonging, and the freedom to be true to who you are.
It has encouraged me to find a seat at the table, but most importantly, to build a table and invite people to participate and to start the conversation. I don’t have to wait for anyone to make it for me; I am equipped with the skills, the knowledge, and the determination to have my table and start the conversation.
Thank you ALG. Thank you Effley. Merci Emilie.
