Ghana is going through a leadership transition, much like the most powerful democracy in the world right now.
Both Presidents achieved sweeping mandates against the incumbent. Both have similar visions; One wants to Make America Great Again.
The other wants to Reset Ghana. Beyond these, the similarities are hard to find. If you have a leadership role in the government, please do not copy Elon Musk.
You are not as wealthy and famous as Elon Musk. Also, the terrain is remarkably different. Below are 15 time-tested ideas from the field of political leadership transitions in Ghana that you can adopt for success.
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1. Listen, but keep your eyes open
Every leader needs to listen but with caution. Beware, some of those speaking to you have their interest.
When you begin to act in haste based solely on what one team member told you, then you are listening too much. Such behaviour is akin to sole-sourcing, not prudent.
2. Speak, but do not speak too much
Do not make too many references to your party. Your focus is resetting Ghana. Speak about this as clearly as possible and consistently.
Speak about your role, explain how every team member can participate in the Reset Agenda and ask for their support. Remember, sometimes you can speak with your silence.
3. Proceed with bold caution
You want to reset, but you need to do this with bold caution. You are seeing just the tip of the iceberg.
Take time to understand existing systems before dismantling them. Remember that sustainable change requires both ambitious goals and realistic implementation.
4. Do not be in a hurry to celebrate personal victories
Yes, you need to show momentum. However, don’t be too eager to show success for your sake. Only celebrate success that enables the team to win the next battle.
Sacrifice the team to show early success will only demoralise the team. You will need this team to push forward.
5. Put in your boulders first
There are so many things to change. Your big ideas must not be allowed to get drowned out by all the small pieces you want to change.
Focus on your best ideas. Write down the top 25 things you want to achieve and draw a line below the top five. Focus on those above the line.
6. Build an effective team
Make your team your priority. Enable and energise the team to carry out the mandate the President has given to you.
Establish a collaborative and respectful culture. Start with one norm at a time. You will walk alone if you harbour the idea that your leadership power alone can accomplish the task.
7. Live well, and manage your energy, not your time
Take good care of yourself, your family, your health and your well-being. You must not burn out. Make time for exercise, rest and good nutrition.
You must not change your waistline because the President appointed you. It is Ghana that must be changed, not your waistline.
8. Remember, you also have a boss
Your boss is the good people of Ghana, and we have elected the President to represent us. The President demands your utmost commitment to the Reset Agenda.
Pledge to be faithful and loyal to Ghana, your motherland. Do all you can to defend the good name of Ghana. God will help you.
9. You can always resign honourably
Leading people and creating change is always difficult, and no one can claim to know all the answers. If you cannot proceed with your planned changes (for any reason), you can pass on the responsibility.
This action is helpful to you and Ghana. Do not stay in your role until you get booed off the stage.
10. Keep a leadership journal
Keep careful records of key decisions, challenges, and lessons learned. Your journal serves multiple purposes: protecting institutional memory, enabling smooth succession, and maintaining accountability.
When your term ends, your journal will be invaluable for your legacy and for passing on your insights to the next generation of leaders.
11. Create your boundaries now, your integrity matters
Decide what you can and cannot do, identify what lines you do not want to cross, what values you will not compromise, and what goals you must achieve. Make these known to your team and stick to them consistently.
This clarity helps in decision-making and in maintaining personal integrity through challenging times.
12. Build bridges now before you need them
Invest in relationships with key stakeholders within and outside your organisation (and party). Connect with various departments, external partners, and potential critics before a crisis arises.
These relationships will prove invaluable when difficult changes are needed. Remember, goodwill is easier to build in normal times than during storms.
13. Honour the past and shape the future
Though you were appointed to reset Ghana and bring change, acknowledge the positive aspects of existing systems and previous leadership.
Recognise institutional memory and experience of long-serving staff. Blend the best of what exists with your new initiatives.
This approach reduces resistance and helps retain valuable institutional knowledge.
14. Create your personal advisory board
Develop a small, trusted circle of experienced mentors who can give you unfiltered feedback and wisdom.
Include some who understand the political landscape and others who are experts in your sector.
They should be able to provide perspective without a personal stake.
15. Be grateful
You have a glorious opportunity to serve the good people of Ghana. Your gratitude must not only be in your heart. It must also show in your attitude.
You are not in your role because you served the party well. Demonstrate gratitude to the President and people of Ghana through your remarkable service and leadership.
Be of good cheer!
The writer is a Leadership Development Facilitator, Executive Coach and Strategy Consultant, Founder of the CEO Accelerator Program (https://ceoacceleratorprogram.org) and Chief Learning Strategist at TEMPLE Advisory (www.thelearningtemple.com).
The mission of The Leadership Project is to harvest highly effective leadership practices and share them in a manner that other leaders can easily incorporate into their leadership practice.
If you have an idea or leadership practice to share, kindly write to programs@thelearningtemple.com. Until you read from us again, keep leading.... from leader to leader, one practice at a time.