Diamonds of leadership: Lessons from Botswana

Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, motivated by passion, generated by vision, produced by conviction and ignited by purpose — Dr Myles Munroe.

In an era marked by global political uncertainties, Botswana’s newly sworn-in President, Duma Boko, has embarked on a bold journey to reshape the country’s leadership narrative. At 54, President Boko is heralding a government focused on youth, inclusivity, and transformative change. His appointment of youthful and dynamic leaders to key positions, including Miss World Africa Lesego Chombo as the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, signals a departure from tradition and a focus on unearthing Botswana’s “diamond in the rough”— its untapped potential.

President Boko’s leadership vision, structured around the dual frameworks of the “is-proposition” and the “ought-proposition,” offers a template not only for his administration but for leaders worldwide. Here are four key lessons his approach provides, along with actionable insights to help leaders across industries learn, unlearn, relearn, and keep learning.

Lesson 1: 

Embrace brutal honesty (The “Is-Proposition”)

“We are going to be brutally frank and honest with each other. We will take Botswana into confidence.”

President Boko’s strategy begins with recognising the reality on the ground — acknowledging the challenges without sugarcoating. This level of transparency sets the tone for building trust with citizens and fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving. By admitting to inheriting a “troubled government,” he signals that true progress begins with confronting hard truths.

Actionable activity

Conduct a “Truth Audit” within your organisation. Facilitate open conversations about the challenges your team faces, ensuring anonymity if needed to encourage candour. Document these insights and use them as the foundation for a transparent action plan.

Lesson 2: 

Invest in young talent

In a symbolic move, President Boko entrusted 28-year-old Lesego Chombo, a law graduate and former Miss World Africa, with the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs. Her appointment acknowledges the potential of young leaders to bring fresh perspectives to governance. By positioning youth at the forefront, Boko’s administration is cultivating a government in tune with its younger population.

This lesson mirrors Botswana’s experience as a diamond-rich nation. Just as diamonds require careful extraction and refinement, so too does talent. By leveraging the lived experiences and innate potential of its youth, Botswana is forging a leadership model that values fresh ideas over rigid hierarchies.

Actionable activity

Create a mentorship programme pairing senior leaders with young talent. Allow these emerging leaders to contribute to strategic decision-making processes and offer their perspectives on contemporary challenges.

Lesson 3: 

Build for the future, not just the present (The “Ought-Proposition”)

“It is about the formula of getting us out of where we are.”

President Boko’s approach goes beyond short-term fixes, emphasising systemic changes to sustain long-term progress. His creation of the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, led by Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, is one example of his commitment to building a future-ready nation. This ministry’s focus signals an investment in Botswana’s most vulnerable citizens, ensuring their growth contributes to the country’s success.

Leaders often fall into the trap of addressing immediate concerns without considering their long-term impact. President Boko’s leadership teaches us the importance of crafting solutions that endure beyond our tenure.

Actionable activity

Host a “Future-Readiness Workshop” with your team. Identify processes, policies, or structures that may be outdated and brainstorm sustainable alternatives that align with your long-term goals.

Lesson 4: 

Get out of your comfort zone

“We will have to change the routine and attitude we have settled in.”

One of Boko’s most compelling messages is his call for citizens and government officials alike to abandon complacency. By challenging deeply ingrained habits, he is signalling that progress requires disruption. Leaders who are willing to take risks, disrupt norms, and embrace new ways of thinking can drive transformation.

This philosophy was exemplified by Dr. Phenyo Butale’s appointment as Minister of International Relations, and Dr. Micus Chombombi’s leadership of the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. Their innovative approaches are expected to challenge traditional governance models, much like how Botswana’s diamond industry redefined global standards.

Actionable activity

Implement a “Disruption Day” in your organisation. Encourage teams to propose unconventional ideas for solving entrenched problems. Reward innovative thinking, even if not all ideas are immediately actionable.

Conclusion: 

Keep learning from the rough to shine

Botswana’s new administration, under President Boko’s leadership, is an inspiring example of how nations — and organisations — can tap into untapped potential. The country’s journey from a diamond mining powerhouse to a beacon of youthful, inclusive governance offers invaluable lessons for leaders in every sector.

By embracing brutal honesty, investing in young talent, planning for the future, and stepping out of comfort zones, leaders can create environments that foster growth and innovation. As President Boko aptly demonstrated, leadership is not about following blueprints but creating the right formula to extract value from challenges. 

In the spirit of continuous improvement, take these lessons to heart. Learn from your past, unlearn outdated practices, relearn adaptive strategies, and remain open to the insights yet to come. Just like Botswana’s diamonds, true leadership brilliance requires refinement and care.

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