There is an old African proverb that says, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” Indeed, it takes a community, a network of people, seen and unseen (that is the God Factor), to accomplish any meaningful feat in life. The notion of a “self-made man or woman” is a façade. No one achieves greatness in isolation. We must learn to give credit where credit is due.
Behind every milestone are mentors, teams, colleagues, and communities who invest time, energy, and belief in our journey. Recognizing their contributions is not just humility — it’s leadership maturity.
A lesson from the mountain
Recently, I joined a group of congregants from my local church for a family day out, part of our 25th-anniversary celebration. My decision to participate was not just about attending an event; it was about connection — bonding, laughter, and creating memories with the social network I have built over the years and a community I have grown to cherish.
When we arrived at the venue, participants were divided into groups for various activities. I could have chosen the comfort of relaxation, but I decided instead to join a team heading for a hiking expedition — a 6-kilometer climb up a mountain leading to a canopy walk. At the time, I had no idea what I had signed up for.
Just a few meters into the steep ascent, I realised I had bitten off more than I could chew. Breathless and panting like a pregnant frog, I paused several times to rest. At one point, I even considered turning back to join those who had chosen the more leisurely option.
Questions arose in my mind: Why am I putting myself through this? Can I make it to the top? How much longer will it take? Why don’t I go back?
Amidst the noise of my thoughts, I heard voices from behind me. Friends calling out, urging me on: “Keep going! You can do it! Don’t give up — you will have a story to tell one day!”
Those words changed everything. Buoyed by their encouragement, I pressed on, step by step, until I finally reached the summit. Exhausted yet triumphant, I looked back and realised this experience held deeper meaning than I had anticipated.
Lessons Learned
- Never give up. The path to any worthwhile goal is often steep, but persistence transforms struggle into strength.
- Everybody needs somebody. Success is never solitary. It is built upon the encouragement, support, and sacrifices of others.
- The journey to the top requires guidance. The right people beside you can make all the difference between giving up and going on.
- It truly takes a village. Every milestone is a collective achievement, shaped by those who believe in us even when we doubt ourselves.
The next time we celebrate an achievement or reach a personal “mountaintop,” may we remember those unseen hands and unheard voices that helped us climb. No one is truly self-made — we are all, in one way or another, made by the village that surrounds us. Be intentional about building that village.
Amma Ansah
Want to build a leadership legacy that uplifts others? Click here to connect with our team and start building your village.
Explore more leadership insights in our MCA Blog.