Explore: Leadership Lessons from Accra
January 7, 2025
Last year, we visited Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, marking the fifth African country on that leg of our nomadic travels. Following unforgettable experiences in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, our journey continued with new insights and lessons.
The Joy of Letting Go
Our adventure began—as it often does—by securing local currency and a SIM card. With neither available at the airport, we ventured into the busy streets of Accra armed only with a paper map. The streets were crowded and filled with the sounds of bargaining voices as vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. Almost immediately, we found ourselves wandering off course into unfamiliar alleys and markets. But something magical happened when we let go of our agenda. Instead of viewing getting lost as a failure, we embraced it as an opportunity to explore.
This experience reflects a vital lesson in leadership: adaptability. Just as we navigated the chaos of Accra without GPS, effective leaders must learn to be comfortable with the unknown and make decisions with limited information. In the book "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World", David Epstein illustrates how generalists, who sample a variety of interests before focusing on a specialty, often excel in problem-solving and creativity compared to specialists who narrow their focus too early. Unique challenges, travel related or otherwise, greatly improve your ability to adapt to unconventional situations.
Fostering Community and Connection
During our three hours of wandering, we encountered locals eager to help us find our way. One individual even walked with us for blocks, asking about our travels and sharing stories about his city. These moments reminded us that travel is not just about visiting places but about engaging with the people who live there.
In the workplace, fostering community among team members is crucial for success. Engaging with diverse perspectives during travel allows you to explore areas you would not find otherwise—something that is essential for effective leadership. By valuing each team member's contributions, you are likely to end up with better outcomes.
When a Meal Becomes a Memory
A few days later in Accra, we decided to try goat pepper soup after being inspired by Yaa Gyasi's incredible book "Homegoing." Our waiter initially warned us that it was "far too spicy for a tourist," but after some playful banter, he relented. What followed was not just a meal but a cultural exchange that transformed our lunch into an unforgettable experience (and the soup was as fiery as promised.)
This encounter highlights another important leadership lesson: encourage risk-taking. Just as we stepped outside our comfort zone by trying new foods, leaders should foster an environment where team members feel empowered to take calculated risks. Embracing challenges can lead to innovation and creativity in the workplace.
Goat Pepper Soup
Friends You Haven’t Met Yet
Our travels also remind us of the profound beauty of human connection. On a more recent trip to Guilin, China, we were invited into a tea shop where the owner shared his knowledge of teas over an engaging 90-minute masterclass.
These unscripted moments are the heart of travel and serve as a reminder that successful leadership involves understanding and appreciating cultural differences. Cultural intelligence is invaluable in today’s globalized business landscape. By learning from diverse experiences during travel, leaders can enhance communication and collaboration within their teams (more on this in future newsletters!)
Tea Tasting Guilin
A Challenge for the Wanderers
If there’s one lesson our travels have taught us, it’s this: sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to get lost. The next time you’re in an unfamiliar place—or facing challenges at work—resist the urge to pull out your phone or retreat into your comfort zone. Instead, take a deep breath, ask for directions or advice, and let curiosity guide you.
Getting lost isn’t just about navigating unfamiliar streets; it’s about embracing the unexpected and trusting the journey. In doing so, you’ll uncover stories, connections, and experiences that no itinerary could ever promise.
Share Your Stories!
What’s been your most memorable “getting lost” experience? How have your travels shaped your leadership style or office dynamics? We’d love to hear your stories below—let’s inspire each other to turn wrong turns into unforgettable adventures and successful business outcomes!