You Don’t Develop People, People Develop Themselves – Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi

Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi of PanAfrica-Ghana (PAG) has argued that personal development is an individual responsibility, maintaining that leaders, teachers, parents and institutions can create growth opportunities but cannot force people to develop themselves.

In the second part of his commentary titled “You Don’t Develop People, People Develop Themselves,” he challenges the widely held belief that governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious leaders and companies directly develop the people they serve.

According to him, although these institutions frequently describe their work as people development, genuine growth ultimately depends on an individual’s willingness to learn, change and take responsibility for personal progress.

“The deeper truth of life is this: You don’t develop people. People develop themselves,” he stated.

Ras Caleb explained that development begins with an internal decision rather than external assistance, arguing that even the most gifted teacher cannot force knowledge into a student who refuses to learn.

Similarly, he noted that a visionary leader cannot compel a follower to grow when that individual remains committed to comfort. He added that money, opportunities and training alone cannot produce meaningful growth without a personal willingness to improve.

To illustrate his point, he referred to the popular saying that a horse can be led to water but cannot be forced to drink.

He drew similar comparisons with education and religion, stating that providing a classroom does not guarantee understanding, just as providing the Bible does not automatically bring about personal transformation.

Having argued that people cannot be developed by others, Ras Caleb said the responsibility of leaders and other influential individuals should be to facilitate growth by creating the conditions that enable people to develop themselves.

He outlined three key responsibilities for anyone seeking to support the development of others.

 Creating the right environment

Ras Caleb said leaders must establish environments characterised by truth, justice, love, opportunity and accountability to make personal growth possible.

Using farming as an example, he explained that a farmer does not directly make a seed grow but provides the necessary conditions, including suitable soil, water and sunlight.

He maintained that the same principle applies to human development, warning that even good seeds can die when planted in toxic soil.

 Providing exposure

He also identified exposure as an important factor in personal development, arguing that many people are limited not necessarily by bad intentions but by the experiences and possibilities they have encountered.

According to him, exposing people to broader visions, higher standards and better examples can awaken their desire to improve themselves

Exposure triggers self-development,” he stated.

 Presenting challenges

The third responsibility, he said, is to challenge people to move beyond their comfort zones, solve problems and take responsibility for their actions.

Ras Caleb argued that excessive comfort can hinder growth, particularly when individuals are shielded from difficulties that could help them learn and develop.

He cautioned that leaders who protect their followers from every challenge may unintentionally limit their progress rather than help them.

To further explain his position, Ras Caleb cited the example of two brothers raised in the same household, with the same parents and access to the same school fees, who eventually take different paths in life.

He observed that while one may become successful, the other may struggle to make meaningful progress.

According to him, the difference cannot always be attributed to the efforts of their parents but also to how each individual responds to the support, opportunities and experiences available to them.

His argument places emphasis on personal choices and the willingness to make use of available opportunities as important factors in determining individual outcomes.

Ras Caleb further warned that believing one has the power to develop another person can encourage pride and a desire to control others.

He explained that such a mindset may lead individuals to believe that others owe their success to them.

Conversely, he said recognising that people ultimately develop themselves encourages humility and a spirit of service.

He maintained that the role of leaders, teachers, parents and elders should be to guide rather than control, serve rather than claim ownership, and provide the necessary support without expecting to dictate the outcome.

“Let us stop saying, ‘I developed that man.’ No, you did not. He developed himself. You were simply privileged to be part of his environment,” he stated.

He therefore urged people in positions of influence to focus less on claiming credit for the achievements of others and more on becoming positive influences who inspire personal growth.

Ras Caleb also connected his argument to faith, stating that even God does not force personal development on human beings.

He explained that God provides life, grace and truth, but the decision to change and become a better person ultimately remains an individual’s responsibility.

He concluded his commentary by encouraging leaders, teachers, parents and elders to create environments that inspire people to take ownership of their growth, describing this as a more meaningful ambition than claiming to have developed others.