Adaptable leadership with insights from Africa

In the bustling ambiance of the 8th Coaching For Africa Symposium, I had the privilege of sitting down with Elona Ndlovu, a Chartered Coach certified by the African Board for Coaching Consulting and Psychology. Over tea, she shared an insightful anecdote that beautifully encapsulated the essence of adaptability and leadership.

Elona recounted an encounter during her time at Institute of Coaching based at McLean Hospital. McLean is a psychiatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, where she presented as a PhD candidate. Amid her academic pursuits, she met a fellow African who was attempting to pivot his career. One day, as she set up her power bank on the table, her colleague remarked with a chuckle, “This is not Africa; we don’t have power outages here.” Elona smiled and explained that she always keeps a backup for her phone, just in case. As fate would have it, his phone battery died before the day’s end, and he found himself sheepishly asking to borrow her power bank.

This simple yet profound experience offers a wealth of leadership lessons, each underscoring the importance of adaptability in our increasingly interconnected world.

Lesson 1: Embrace cultural diversity

The African proverb, “A lizard in Africa can never become an alligator in America,” speaks to the uniqueness of cultural contexts. Elona’s story highlights the importance of recognising and valuing these differences. Her colleague’s initial reaction to her power bank reflected a lack of awareness about varying cultural practices and needs. In leadership, appreciating and leveraging cultural diversity can enhance team cohesion and innovation.

Actionable advice: Engage in cultural competency training and encourage your team to share their cultural backgrounds and practices. Create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but actively sought.

Lesson 2: Adaptability and resilience

Elona’s readiness with her power bank, despite her colleague’s scepticism, underscores the critical need for adaptability and resilience. Her foresight in bringing a power bank exemplifies the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges. This adaptability allowed her to navigate the situation seamlessly and support her colleague when he needed it most.

Actionable advice: Foster a culture of adaptability within your team by encouraging proactive problem-solving and contingency planning. Regularly conduct scenario-based training sessions to prepare for unexpected challenges.

Lesson 3: Effective communication

The exchange about the power bank also underscores the importance of effective communication across cultural boundaries. Misunderstandings can easily arise from differences in customs and context. Leaders must navigate these nuances with clarity and empathy, ensuring that their messages are understood and respected.

Actionable advice: Improve your communication skills by practicing active listening and seeking feedback. Encourage open dialogue and ensure that everyone on your team feels heard and understood, regardless of their background.

Lesson 4: Lead by example

Elona’s response to her colleague’s need for a power bank exemplifies leading by example. Instead of reminding him of his earlier dismissal, she graciously offered her help. This act of kindness and understanding fostered mutual respect and showcased her leadership qualities. Leaders who lead by example inspire trust and loyalty among their teams.

Actionable advice: Model the behaviours and attitudes you wish to see in your team. Demonstrate empathy, generosity, and humility in your interactions. Recognise and reward these traits in your team members to reinforce a positive culture.

Conclusion: Embracing cultural intelligence

Elona’s story from the 8th Coaching For Africa Symposium offers timeless leadership lessons. In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural intelligence is not just beneficial — it is essential. By embracing cultural diversity, practicing adaptability, communicating effectively, and leading by example, leaders can create environments where everyone can thrive.

Call to action: Commit to enhancing your cultural intelligence and leadership skills. In every professional and personal interaction, strive to bridge cultural divides and foster inclusivity. Let us work together to build a world where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is empowered to reach their full potential.

In conclusion, “Leadership knows no boundaries. It transcends geography, ethnicity, and background. By embracing diversity and leading with empathy and understanding, we can unlock the full potential of individuals and organisations alike.”

Through stories like these, we are reminded that adaptability and cultural intelligence are not just skills but essential qualities that define effective leadership in our globalised era. Let us all take a page from Elona’s life book and strive to lead with open minds and hearts.

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