‘Who sent me?’, ‘Why did I post on my friend’s timeline?’, ‘Was it appropriate to share the cat video?’, ‘Was it necessary to comment on my friend’s post?’

How did it start?

Abena, a well-known social media user, had always been conscious of her online presence. All her posts were meant to create healthy interactions and bring joy and laughter to her followers. However, a seemingly innocent joke about her cat triggered an unpredicted storm of negativity.

Things got even worse when she commented playfully on her friend’s post. Angry comments flooded in, accusing her of insensitivity and cruelty. The once-positive online community turned into a hostile mob. Abena, overwhelmed by what was happening, felt a wave of confusion, hurt, and embarrassment.

She struggled to understand why her harmless joke had sparked such harsh comments and criticism; wondering, ‘Who sent me?’, ‘Why did I post the cat video?’, ‘Why did I post on my friend’s timeline?’, ‘Was it appropriate to post the cat video?’, ‘Was it necessary to comment on my friend’s post?’ The questioning went on and on.

In today’s interconnected world, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and communities worldwide while offering numerous benefits such as networking, promoting businesses, and creating opportunities. Your social media presence is a reflection of who you are and what you stand for. There are times when we act as if our presence on social media doesn’t matter as much as our physical presence. This leads us to believe that we can do whatever we want without considering the consequences, thinking, “No one can see me.” As a result, we leave rude comments on others’ posts without caring about the impact on others. Even when our comments are inappropriate for a particular post, we still feel entitled to comment.

I found myself in a situation similar to Abena’s, and it was both surprising and disheartening. Then it dawned on me that I had never considered that online interactions require a certain level of etiquette and that every social media platform is tailored to suit specific purposes. For those who have yet to experience the repercussions of a wrong comment or post this post will provide valuable insights. Meanwhile, for those who have already navigated these waters, consider this a friendly reminder. Now, let’s explore these important etiquettes.

Be respectful:

• Respect online users as you would in person.
• Be mindful of your tone

Think before you post:

“Before posting, ask yourself if the content is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind (THINK). If any of these questions are left unanswered, refrain from posting hastily. You might end up feeling like Abena and I did, asking ourselves, ‘Who sent me?

Respect privacy:

• Always seek permission before sharing photos or information about others.
• Be mindful of who you tag in your posts.
• If someone asks you to stop sharing their information, respect their wishes.

  Engage constructively:

• Pay attention to others’ perspectives and engage in respectful conversations.
• Treat others with kindness and respect, even if you disagree with their view; you could always politely decline.

As a responsible Christian social media user, I believe in aligning my online persona with my values and principles. Just as we carefully consider what we wear based on the occasion, personal style, and cultural norms, we should also be mindful of our online presence. When it comes to online behavior, it’s important to consider the type of content we share, the tone we use to express ourselves, and how we engage with others. This includes being mindful of the photos, videos, and text we post, the way we communicate (positive, professional, and humorous) and our interaction with others (responding to comments, and participating in discussions). This helps to ensure that our online presence reflects who we are and what we stand for. Our online presence should mirror our values, personality, and professional objectives.

Dressing physically and presenting ourselves online have key similarities:

• Both physical and online appearances can leave lasting first impressions.
• Our clothing choices and online content reflect our style and values.
• Our physical and online personas should align with each other.

Just as we pay attention to our physical appearance, we should also invest time and effort in cultivating a positive and professional online presence. In professional settings, both our physical and online appearances should be polished and professional. Let’s make a conscious effort to curate our digital footprint, ensuring our posts reflect who we truly are. By dressing how we want to be addressed, we create a positive and authentic online presence.

Join me in this digital transformation!

Let’s use social media for inspiration, encouragement, and positive change. Remember, your posts speak volumes about you. Dress them with care and intention. Share your stories, uplift others, and be a shining light in the digital world. Let’s create a community that fosters kindness, creativity, and meaningful connections. Together, we can make a difference in the online space and beyond.
-Written by fellow Sylvia Emefa Seamegbe

The phrase “see something say something” is becoming a prevalent phrase in recent times.  I first heard it in the early stages of my career, while doing an internship in a marketing firm when the head of the human resource department was addressing the staff of the company to be vigilant and to take responsibility for all actions. This address was occasioned by the dismissal of a senior colleague after she was caught flouting the company rules and was reported by an anonymous employee.

This was all new to me and I imagined the bravery it took for the anonymous person to report such a high-ranking officer of the firm. I tried to put myself in their shoes and I realized it was such a big space to fill. Like you, I did not seem up to the task because I was new and I was scared of the effect it could have on my reputation.

As a young Christian, I needed a way to be free from this newfound fear, so I went to my bible. After reading the bible, I realized that light shines best in darkness. In Matthew 5:13-15 it says “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” This reiterates the influence we must make in our society as Christians.

Like Erika Cheung from Theranos and the anonymous colleague from the marketing firm who defied the odds and faced their fears, I’m here to remind you to be the light, because you cannot be hidden. You must make a difference in the world and one way you can do that is by being people of integrity by being transparent and honest.

Firms must understand that to build a culture of trust in the workplace, employees should be encouraged to speak up when there is a problem, and this can be done by creating a safe space for employees to speak up. This can be done by complying with the Whistleblowers Act of Ghana which seeks to prevent the victimisation of whistleblowers. Also creating anonymous avenues by creating clear reporting channels for employees to speak up can create a safe space and a culture of trust in firms.

My response to anybody asking the question, how they can live a life of influence?

Be the light by speaking up and staying true to your values because you are a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.

In a world where the pressures to conform and remain silent can be overwhelming, remember that your voice matters. Just as light cannot be hidden, neither can the truth be ignored when it is brought to the surface. Whistleblowing is not just an act of courage; it is a commitment to uphold the values of integrity, honesty, and justice. Whether you’re new to the workplace or a seasoned professional, your decision to speak up can inspire change and set a powerful example for others. So, embrace your role as a beacon of light, knowing that your actions can illuminate the path toward a more ethical and transparent world.

Embrace your role as a beacon of light, knowing that your actions can illuminate the path toward a more ethical and transparent world.
– Written by fellow Erica Abini

Many think the idea of being a leader is an ambitious task anyone should aspire for and that the assertion that leadership is an honorable ambition will not be accepted by all without a measure of reservation.

Was not Wolsey right when he said to Cromwell, “I charge thee to fling away ambition, by that sin fell the angels: how can a man then, the image of his maker, hope to profit by it?” So the debate is, why not the humble but rather the ambitious who is on the verge of becoming arrogant?

Truly to put an ambitious man in an office comes with its challenges yet it is a key tool a leader needs to accomplish great things. The question anyone will be asking is how can we keep the ambitious person as a leader without him being overtaken by his ambitions into an arrogant leader. The answer lies in the Ambition Humility Paradox.

In the vast landscape of leadership, two seemingly opposing traits stand out essential: Ambition and Humility. Understanding these traits or strands of leadership will lead to effective leadership.

Ambition is the characteristic quality of a leader that enables them to envision the future, and strive to achieve their goals with determination regardless of the pending challenges. It acts as the driving force that gives momentum to leaders to push boundaries, bring out innovations, and achieve excellence.

Humility as the balancing trait on the other hand will remind the leader of his or her limitations, value his team, and the importance of continuous learning to improve upon his limitations and know that he has just been allowed to lead.

As the constitutional tool of Checks and Balances is to governance so is Ambition mixed with Humility to true leadership. The secret or magic to transformational leadership is balancing Ambition with humility.

The consequence of leaning on one of these will render the leader to be lopsided. The only ambitious leader without humility will grow to be arrogant, over-confident, and probably disconnect from reality. More often than not such men devalue the importance of feedback, underestimate challenges, alienate those they lead, and end up becoming autocratic.

In Africa, many moved by their vision to see their countries flourish have allowed their ambition to lead them without mixing it with humility and this challenge has led to many autocratic systems we see, thus limited civic participation, stagnation in social progress, economic mismanagement, lack of accountability, violation of human right and political instability.

On the opposite, humility without ambition can result in complacency, a lack of direction, and an inability to inspire.

The power of Ambition mixed with humility in leadership helps leaders pursue high goals while staying connected to their team. The product of this dynamic duo births visionary leaders.

It was said of President Mckinley that he was a great stateman and a visionary leader because he had the faculty of grounding his ears and listening to the things that were coming from his people and by that humble act could see ahead and turn his listening into a vision.

Ambitious leaders always have a clear vision for the future. They set goals that inspire their followers and when such ambition is coupled with humility it makes leaders open-minded, receptive to inputs, and adaptable to change.

Humble leaders know they don’t have it all and neither do they have the answers to all the challenges that come with pursuing their vision, thus the combination of ambition and humility makes their vision robust and inclusive.

Leadership is not to be confined or tied to your vision only while neglecting the people you work with. The humble leader can connect deeply to their team members. They go beyond just relating to them on matters concerning their assigned task but are gripped with empathy and concern for the complete well-being of their team members. Such empathy on the side of the humble leader draws team members making it easier to achieve his or her vision. While humility allows the leader to connect to the team members, ambition on the other hand with its focus on accomplishing the set goals, drives the leader to empower their team members and by so doing achieve their goals. A combination of these traits leads to shared success and respect.

Also, Ambitious humility prepares leaders to face challenges with resilience. Ambitious leaders will not withdraw when they approach setbacks, with determination in achieving his or her goals they see such challenges as springboards to strive to reach their goals. They learn and improve on their failures and reach out to success. In challenging moments, the trait of humility is exhibited in their ability to remain adaptable and willing to pause when necessary to embrace new ideas and perspectives. Their ambition mixed with humility motivates them to keep moving forward despite obstacles.

Leaders who lead with these traits achieve long-term success, building legacies beyond their generation. They build strong, trusting, and lasting relationships with their followers. Their humility ensures that their ambition is without lapses, short-lived but rather sustainable.

Developing a leadership that blends ambition with humility will require one to be intentional in their efforts.

To achieve this balance, we will have to cultivate the art of constant self-reflection and evaluation. Regularly assess your leadership style to check if you are overly focused on your goals or do you take time to listen and learn from others. Reflecting on your strengths and areas of development can help a leader keep the balance.

Humility always admits that there are things others see that they don’t see hence will constantly seek feedback and refine their approaches and strategies in attaining their goals and making well-informed decisions.

Leadership they say is an art of continuous learning. To exhibit ambition mixed with humility will demand a person to surround him or herself with mentors who exemplify ambition and humility. Learning from the experiences of others and applying them will sharpen one’s leadership skills. Also, a humble leader takes pride in the achievement of his or her followers, therefore the one who aspires to lead with ambition mixed with humility should learn how to celebrate success openly and acknowledge the contributions of others.

In conclusion, leadership is not a static trait nor an art sponsored by ego but an interplay of dynamic traits that evolves with time, and ambition mixed with humility forms the cornerstone of great leadership. Leading with ambition mixed with humility will lead to innovations, inspire fllowers, and build lasting legacies.
fellow Samuel Bright Appiah

“I live in Africa. Seeing that Russia fits into Africa twice, I am baffled as to how big the continent IS” –YouTuber.

Many of us have likely pondered this question, influenced by Russia’s development and Africa’s challenges. Who would have thought that Africa had a larger land area? Africa, the second-largest continent in the world, boasts a population of approximately 1.5 billion people, accounting for 17.89% of the global population. But do these statistics truly reflect the real size and significance of Africa?

Have you ever stopped to consider the true scale of Africa? Frequently masked by the distortions of the Mercator projection, Africa’s immense size is compressed and distorted, giving the misleading impression of a small and easily manageable land. This was not merely an accidental cartographic mistake; many believe it was a calculated political strategy aimed at making Africa seem less imposing and more susceptible to colonization.

But here’s the reality: Africa is a colossal, dynamic land overflowing with untapped resources and immense potential. It’s disheartening to witness these valuable assets being fruitless, left unexplored, and underused, primarily because leadership has not fully acknowledged or exploited them. Just imagine if every African country leveraged its resources effectively, creating wealth and opportunities. Africa would rightfully take its place on the global stage as a formidable force, not to be underestimated.

Despite the prevalent misconceptions and distortions, Africa remains impossible to ignore. Our vast, fertile landscapes hold the potential to nourish not only our continent but the entire world, with plenty of space left over. Consider this: Africa is larger than the combined landmasses of the United States, China, India, and most of Europe! This remarkable scale is essential for global strategy, climate conservation, military strength, economic development, and cultural impact.

Consider the Congo Basin, the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest. This magnificent expanse is more than just a forest; it’s a lifeline, a sanctuary for countless species of plants and animals. The Congo Basin stands as proof of Africa’s significance in global climate and military strategies. Its rich biodiversity is a treasure we must protect; thus, its preservation is not just important, it’s vital.

Then, there’s the Great Rift Valley, a breathtaking geological wonder stretching from the Red Sea to Mozambique. This incredible valley showcases Africa’s dynamic earth processes, and its deep cultural significance tracing the migrations of ancient civilizations. It’s not just a physical landmark; it’s a narrative of our past and a beacon for our future.

With its 54 nations, Africa is a rich mosaic of languages and cultural traditions, each country adding its distinctive elements. This rich diversity is a powerful strength, presenting a stunning array of histories, cultures, and customs that contribute to the global tapestry. Acknowledging Africa’s true size helps us recognize its vast potential, nurturing optimism and excitement for the future ahead.

Miriam Makeba once said, “Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them.” Africa is not just a continent; it is a world within a world, brimming with untapped potential, often underestimated due to map alterations and misconceptions. But as we peel back these layers of misunderstanding, we uncover a land of infinite possibilities and boundless promise.

Let’s celebrate Africa, not as it is often portrayed, but as it truly is, a titan, a land of endless opportunities. Embrace its true size, and its real potential, and let’s be hopeful about a future where Africa stands tall, recognized for all it has to offer.
–Written by fellow Akua Kakra Agyepong