Transformational Leadership Concept Hosts Dialogue on Time Management for Educators

 

Amid growing concerns about productivity, discipline and leadership development in Ghana’s education system, educators and development practitioners have renewed calls for stronger time management practices among teachers and professionals.

The call was made during the Timekeeping Dialogue Episode 19, organised by Transformational Leadership Concept (TLC) on March 5, 2026 via zoom under the theme “Gift to Gain: Mastering Time, Elevating Impact.” The session, which coincided with International Women’s Day and Ghana’s Independence celebrations, brought together educators, trainers and development experts to examine how better time use can improve teaching outcomes and strengthen national development.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Development practitioner Charles Kojo VanDyck described time as one of the most important resources individuals and organisations must learn to manage effectively.

“Time is one of the most valuable gifts we have. How you invest your time determines what you get out of it in your personal and professional life,” he said. He further explained that time plays a significant role in shaping reputation and leadership.

“Time is capital, time is reputation and time is leadership currency. The way you manage your time sends a signal about whether you are reliable and whether people can trust you,” he noted.

According to him, mastering time is especially important for educators, whose influence extends beyond the classroom.

Mr. Van Dyck also encouraged participants to be more intentional in the way they spend their time, noting that productivity is not simply about being busy. “It is not about busyness. It is about being strategic with your time and ensuring that what you do creates lasting value,” he explained.

He introduced participants to four key approaches to managing time effectively: priority time, protected time, performance time and purpose time, stressing that professionals must learn to plan, focus on meaningful work and regularly reflect on their goals.

Peak performance trainer at Significance Training Systems, Salma Adjoa Keelson emphasised the importance of prioritisation and energy management in effective time use, especially for teachers who juggle multiple responsibilities.

She encouraged professionals to focus on tasks that create real impact rather than simply staying busy. “First, we must audit our busyness. It should not just be about being busy without impact,” she said. Salma also urged participants to protect their most productive hours from distractions and to treat time as a valuable resource that must be carefully allocated.

Teachers as Architects of the Future

Contributing to the discussion, Sarah Owiredu, Regional Chairperson of the Greater Accra Ladies Association of the National Association of Teachers (NAT), highlighted the broader responsibilities teachers carry in shaping young people.

“Teachers are the architects of the future,” she said, explaining that their work goes far beyond classroom instruction.  According to her, teachers spend significant time mentoring and supporting students both academically and emotionally.

“It is not only about classroom work. We also support children emotionally, communicate with their parents and guide them through challenges they may not even be able to discuss at home,” she explained.

She added that teachers also play important roles as counsellors, mediators and mentors, helping students develop the discipline and character needed for national development.

Promoting a Culture of Timekeeping

Participants also reflected on common challenges that affect productivity, including long meetings without clear decisions, constant digital interruptions and reactive work habits that prevent professionals from focusing on long-term impact. The dialogue emphasised the need for individuals and institutions to build a stronger culture of timekeeping in workplaces and schools.

The session was moderated by Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, a Communications for Development Advocate and was chaired by Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V, Dufia of Adidome.

As part of the next steps, Transformational Leadership Concept will hold an in-person timekeeping engagement on March 21,2026 while discussions are also underway for a special session for teachers during Teachers’ Day celebrations later in the year.