After an ordeal getting here (delayed flights and visa challenges) we found ourselves in a classroom for three days with 21 leaders from across government. They set out to address an “implementation gap” between an exciting dream they share for Botswana (“confident, self-reliant and connected”) and a reality that persists despite effort (“the general public are not satisfied with the service”). The leadership training is not what many expected: it is not a theory they can leave in the classroom. From the first moment they apply themselves to “why are we here” and “how can we bring our own leadership to the real challenges”. In short this is all about impact. Despite the occasional challenges of power cuts (air conditioning stopped in the midday 30 degree heat), strange flying insects (very poisonous) and bosses (calling our leaders back to meetings), the bright sparks in the room work at how to make it different. One intelligent lady by the end of day two speaks for others in saying “I’m confused, my head just burst and I lost everything!”. But along with the excited “wow’s”, might such difficult moments not be part and parcel of the learning? During the third and final day this lady’s energy returned in a rush as she linked up with others, and the group’s concerns transformed into confidence. Using the “Pasha” (a method given by our colleague Twalib) to return appreciation to each person who contributed something, there emerged heartfelt and sincere commitments to follow-ups every quarter. This is not the end but just the end of the beginning for a new network named “Pasha One 14”. Assistance from Elana and Twalib, and not forgetting Christina (our newly arrived Executive Assistant) has made this MiDDLEGROUND’s 5th Leadership Breakthroughs programme here, so far reaching around 100 government officers. After two more programmes next week we will consider how to continue to support the long walk to transform government. Pasha to participating leaders, British Council and Botswana Public Service College for all your great contributions and for bringing us to this challenge! Tony and Umar, Feb 2014