DAR ES SALAAM, July 24 -- THERE is something fascinating about leadership retreats.

Most people assume the learning begins when the first presentation appears on the screen or when the facilitator walks to the podium.

After thirty-six years in public service, I have learned that leadership begins much earlier than that.

Last week, I facilitated a leadership session for the Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Chief Executive Officers of institutions under the Ministry.

The topic assigned to me was Protocol, Professional Etiquette and Time Management. It sounded straightforward enough.

Yet before I spoke a single word, the room had already started teaching the very lesson I had come to share. As participants arrived, I found ...