My Greatest Learnings This Year
As we transition into 2025, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the experiences that have shaped us during 2024. This year, my journey has been driven by significant learnings that intertwine four values (transparency, integrity, accountability and respect) with an African perspective. These values have helped guide my personal and professional growth. They are not mere words; they have become an ethos that harmonises beautifully with the rich tapestry of Kenyan and broader African values.
Bridging Honesty and Openness
One of the foremost lessons this year has been the immense power of transparency. In a world rife with misinformation, adopting a transparent approach has proved invaluable. This also reflects a long-standing Kenyan tradition of Ujamaa (familyhood) where honesty fosters community trust.
For instance, in my professional interactions, I have advocated for a culture where team members openly share both successes and challenges. This practice has encouraged collaboration and innovation, empowering colleagues to voice ideas without fear of judgement. It’s a reminder that, rooted in our heritage, we achieve more by being open and honest, resonating with the African belief that “It takes a village to raise a child.” When we communicate transparently, we build relationships that pave the way for future growth.
Upholding Integrity in Awkward Spaces
Integrity stands as a complex pillar in today’s fast-paced world, particularly in African contexts rife with challenges. My greatest learning this year is that integrity is not only about doing the right thing when visible; it’s also about making ethical decisions in uncomfortable situations. Whether it’s in business dealings or community engagements, upholding ethical standards is crucial.
This lesson was epitomised when I found myself facing a situation where shortcuts could have easily been taken. Upholding the principle of integrity, I chose the harder path—standing firm against corruption. The choice, while difficult, was a testament to the values instilled in me by the Kenyan mantra, “Hakuna Matata” (no worries), which underscores resilience and moral fortitude in the face of adversity.
Accountability: The Key to Growth
My experience this year has also highlighted the transformative impact of accountability. Recognising that our actions have consequences allows us to learn and grow. Accountability resonates deeply with the African philosophy of communal responsibility, which is often embodied in the concept of Ujamaa (familyhood) in Swahili culture. This principle emphasises that each person’s actions contribute to the welfare of the entire group.
This year, I focused on creating an environment where team members felt empowered to take ownership of their roles. Holding oneself accountable is not merely admitting to mistakes; it’s about actively seeking solutions—a sentiment echoed in the African wisdom that emphasises the strength found in unity and collective action. In fostering accountability, we collectively rise to challenges, transforming obstacles into opportunities for progress.
Cultivating Respect Through Diversity
Lastly, the importance of respect cannot be overstated, particularly in diverse settings. In a multicultural society such as Kenya, respect for differing opinions and backgrounds is fundamental. It resonates deeply within our African mosaic, where the co-existence of various cultures enriches our experiences.
This year, I learned to approach discussions with an open mind, valuing diverse perspectives. Engaging with individuals from different backgrounds has illuminated new paths for innovation in my work. When we respect one another, we create platforms for meaningful dialogue that can address deep-seated societal issues, echoing the African proverb “A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.”
Conclusion: A Roadmap for Future Growth
As I reflect on this year, I find that these values, when viewed through an African lens, provide a profound roadmap for personal and professional development. My experiences have taught me that transparency fosters trust, integrity fortifies relationships, accountability drives growth, and respect nurtures diversity.
These lessons are not confined to individual experiences; they are collective narratives woven into the fabric of African society. As we all embark on new challenges in 2025, may we carry forward these learnings and values, harnessing them to shape a future that is not only productive but also reflective of our common humanity.
In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace these values, creating waves of positive change across our communities. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and uplift one another as we navigate the complexities of our world.
Image: © marekuliasz via Canva.com
